Neuromuscular Disease & ALS Center
The Stony Brook Neuromuscular Disease and Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence, certified by the ALS Association, offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for patients of all ages living with neuromuscular disorders. These conditions include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), neuropathy, myopathy, myasthenia gravis, and others.
Symptoms such as cramps, pain, weakness, muscle wasting, numbness, and problems with movement should prompt a timely neurological evaluation. While the exact causes of neuromuscular diseases are often unknown, genetics and immune system factors are believed to play major roles. Our commitment is to provide the highest level of care, alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life.
Our patients have the opportunity to enroll in clinical trials and registries. The HEALY ALS research platform trial is a nationwide collaborative effort of multiple ALS centers that aims to accelerate the path to new therapies.
We invite you to contact us for advice, second opinions, diagnosis, ongoing care, or enrollment in a clinical trial.
Appointments and Contact Information
- For an appointment call (631) 444-2599
Center Location
Neuromuscular Disease & ALS Center
Stony Brook Neuromuscular Disease and Christopher Pendergast ALS
Center of Excellence
181 North Belle Mead Road, Suite 4
East Setauket, NY 11743
(631) 444-2599
Services
Our diagnostic approach includes:
- Neurological evaluation and examination
- Blood and urine studies
- Cerebrospinal fluid examination (spinal tap)
- X ray, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which provide detailed pictures of your brain and spinal cord
- Nerve, muscle and skin biopsy
- Nerve conduction studies, in which we stimulate your nerves and test their ability to send signals
- Electromyography (EMG), which involves testing the electrical activity of your muscles
- Genetic studies
Our therapeutic services include:
- Physical therapy
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections
- Drug therapy
- Gastronomy tube placement (ALS) as an inpatient at Stony Brook University Hospital, which helps maintain proper nutritional intake
- Thymectomy (Myasthenia Gravis)
Physicians
Nurse Practitioner
Supporting Specialists
- Evan Rivera, NP and ALS Center Nurse Coordinator
- Rebecca Stein, MS, RD Dietician
- Carol Grosch, OT
- Jacqueline Bill, PT
- Kathleen McCloskey, MA, CCC-SLP Speech Therapist
- Idania Hazelhurst, CSW Social Worker
- Natalie Sachman and Susan Andersen Respiratory Therapists
Stony Brook Medicine ALS Program
Led by Director Dr. Simona Treidler, our ALS program was certified in 2009 by the ALS Association as the 34th Center of Excellence in the country. This distinction recognizes our collaborative approach and our ability to provide the highest quality care for people with ALS and their families.
Being a patient at the Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence makes it easier for you to see physicians from multiple specialties. Within a span of a 3.5-hour visit, our ALS patients see each member of our multidisciplinary team, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, speech pathologists and dieticians.
People living with ALS in Suffolk County don't have to go to Manhattan - we can provide exceptional care right here on Long Island. Our multidisciplinary approach increases the outcome of successful therapy and ensures that patients receive support in all aspects of their conditions. Unlike many other ALS providers, we're equipped to provide long-term care and we offer biopsy (sampling and analysis) of nerve, muscle and skin cells. Our advanced technology helps us to make a definitive diagnosis and then create individualized treatment plans.
Education is part of our mission, and we offer frequent support groups and facilitated meetings for patients and families. We understand that ALS affects individuals in a variety of ways, and we encourage open discussion and question and answer sessions that include the entire family. We have counselors and social workers available at all times to talk about anything from financial concerns to sexual problems. Our physicians often speak at local chapter meetings of disease foundations, such as the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America or the ALS Association.
