The Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center at Northwestern in Chicago was established in 1986 with funds from the James V. Insolia Family Foundation and the Les Turner ALS Foundation. At the Center, trained specialists use a team approach to provide comprehensive treatment. They are dedicated to the total care and support of people with ALS, and their families and caregivers. During a visit, patients meet with several members of the team, and each provides input regarding assessment, care planning, education, and other health care needs.
Some of the specialized services offered to patients include communication devices or durable medical equipment from our equipment bank, mobility assistance, a patient resource guide, ventilation and feeding tube DVDs for reference, the opportunity to schedule home visits with an ALS nurse consultant or social worker, transportation to and from the clinic visit if needed, and free parking for patients during their appointment.
The Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center is part of Northwestern's Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology. Northwestern was recently ranked by U.S. News as one of the top 15 hospitals nationwide for neurology and neurosurgery, making it the top-ranked Chicagoland hospital in this specialty. Northwestern and the Les Turner ALS Foundation are proud to be a part of bringing world class care to people living with ALS in the Chicago and surrounding areas.
In addition to providing diagnostic, rehabilitative and support services to the ALS community, staff at the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center share their knowledge at ALS conferences around the country and around the world. They are recognized by their peers for their dedication and expertise.
To make an appointment at the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center, please call (312) 695-7950. Patients are seen by appointment only. The clinical nurse coordinator will make your appointment and discuss the schedule of your visit.
During your visit, you may meet with one or more of the following:
Neurologist
The neurologist performs detailed examinations, monitors the course of the disease, provides medical therapy to treat specific symptoms, and manages the team's efforts.
Pulmonologist
The pulmonologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions and diseases. The pulmonologist assesses a patient's respiratory status and helps maximize their respiratory function.
Clinical Nurse Coordinator
The nurse coordinator evaluates individual health care needs, plans and implements medical treatment, contacts appropriate community resources, makes referrals, provides education, and serves as the overall coordinator for clinic services.
Clinical Trials Research Coordinator
The research coordinator shares information about current drug studies at the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center, screens prospective participants, organizes medical records needed for the study, conducts study sessions with ALS physicians, and attends scientific meetings.
Dietician
The dietician assesses nutritional needs, coordinates proper diet therapy, and educates patients and their families on proper nutrition for improved quality of life.
Genetic Counselor
The genetic counselor works primarily with patients who have the inherited form of ALS known as "familial ALS." The genetic counselor acts as a liaison between patient, family, laboratory and physicians, and educates families about inheritance patterns and risk factors.
Les Turner ALS Foundation Director of Patient Services
The Director of Patient Services is the primary Foundation contact for patients and families. She also serves as a liaison between the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center and the Foundation. The Director provides telephone support and referrals, information on support group meetings, and administers loan banks of medical and communication equipment.
Occupational Therapist
The occupational therapist evaluates and enhances the patient’s ability to perform normal, everyday tasks. They can recommend special adaptive equipment, provide exercise programs, and suggest other ways to manage daily activities such as eating, dressing and hygiene.
Respiratory Therapist
The respiratory therapist assists the pulmonologist with respiratory care.
Speech Pathologist
Specially trained in speech and swallowing disorders, the speech pathologist helps the patient maintain speech and swallowing function, or adapt to alternative communication systems if speech is no longer understandable.
