Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles – the ones that we are able to control, such as those in the arms, legs, and face.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, involves degeneration of motor neurons that control muscles, causing muscle wasting and loss of voluntary muscle control.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) are both autoimmune neuropathies. This means they are diseases in which the immune system attacks its own nerves. GBS presents much more acutely, and reaches its most severe state in less than 4 weeks. CIDP presents more slowly and reaches its more severe state typically in over 8 weeks. Because of this, GBS is considered a classic acute autoimmune neuropathy while CIDP is a classic chronic autoimmune neuropathy.
At the University of Michigan Neuromuscular Program, we have expertise in evaluating and comprehensively treating neuromuscular disorders.
The specialists of the Department of Neurology's Peripheral Neuropathy Center, at the University of Michigan Health System, have the experience, the newest treatments, and a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive, coordinated care.
The Peripheral Nerve Clinic focuses on the evaluation and treatment of acquired peripheral neuropathies, such as those with autoimmune (CIDP, GBS), vasculitic, paraproteinemic (amyloid), toxic (alcohol), drug-induced (chemotherapy), diabetic and metabolic syndrome, as well as nutritional (post-bariatric surgery) neuropathy.The Clinic also carries accreditation as a CIDP-GBS Center of Excellence.
