ALS Clinic

A unique commitment
The Richard R Dart ALS Clinic at the University of Virginia Health System began in 1999 as the first multidisciplinary clinic in Virginia specifically for persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and their families. Patients come from hours away to take advantage of our Clinic’s unique services. We also serve persons with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) and Bulbar Palsy.

Our goal is to provide the best possible diagnostic evaluation, treatment and support to supplement the care that patients receive from their local neurologists and family physicians.

What to expect
When a person with ALS comes to UVA’s ALS Clinic they meet with a special healthcare team familiar with the unique challenges facing those with ALS, their caregivers and families.  This team includes: a neurologist, nurse coordinator, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, speech language pathologist, respiratory therapist, nutritionist, and volunteer. Also present are representatives from two national organizations that provide support for persons with ALS – ALSA and MDA. Our patients are seen, on average, once every three to four months.  Patients remain at clinic for three to four hours, during which time the individual team members perform assessments, answer questions, make recommendations, and suggest equipment and referrals when indicated. Additionally, the physician may discuss eligibility for participation in clinical trials related to ALS.

Hours and location
Clinics are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the Adult Neurology Clinic on the 4th floor of the Primary Care Center. Registration is on the 1st floor of the Primary Care Center. Parking information can be found at https://uvahealth.com/patients-visitors/getting-here/parking 

Make an appointment
New patients are first seen at the UVA Neuromuscular Clinic. Please call 434-924-2706 for an appointment, and have your local neurologist or primary care physician fax your records to 434-924-9068.

Community support
The Richard R. Dart ALS Clinic exists because of generous donations — most from families and friends of patients who have succumbed to ALS. These individuals understand firsthand the suffering associated with the disease. They appreciate the Clinic’s goals and want to ensure that others benefit from it. If you choose to make a donation, please be sure to designate your gift specifically to the ALS Clinic.