The Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center

If you or a loved one is living with a neuromuscular disorder, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or muscular dystrophy, you need comprehensive care and support. The Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center carries on the legacy of our founder Dr. Forbes Norris, an internationally renowned doctor in the field of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research and clinical care.

The Forbes Norris Center is one of the largest ALS clinical research centers in the United States, an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence, and one of six national Muscular Dystrophy Association ALS Centers dedicated to ALS and muscular dystrophy treatment.

At the forefront of neuromuscular disease research for more than 40 years, the Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research and Treatment Center provides comprehensive ALS diagnostic and treatment services throughout the course of your disease. Our multidisciplinary team provides the scope of care necessary to allow you to live your life with dignity and supports you and your family throughout the course of your illness. Our experienced, knowledgeable staff is committed to providing the outstanding care to effectively manage all aspects of your condition.

Clinical Trials

Our patients participate in cutting-edge clinical trials seeking new ways to slow the progression of neuromuscular disease. Additionally, we are working on bringing the latest molecular biological findings about motor nerve cells directly from the laboratory bench to the bedside. The courage and dignity of our ALS families inspires us to work even harder to keep hope alive.

Clinical Excellence

We work with other doctors at Sutter Health to confirm your diagnosis and manage your care. Through our advanced diagnostic capabilities, we have been able to identify other treatable or more benign conditions in approximately 15 percent of the people who come to us with a diagnosis of suspected ALS. We strive to recognize other conditions that look like ALS and might be effectively treated.

Our diagnostic efforts involve a team of ALS experts using leading-edge techniques. These specialists provide a comprehensive clinical evaluation and utilize the latest imaging, electrodiagnostic testing, and nerve and muscle pathology testing in order to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

Support for Patients and Families

Our specialists offer phone consultations, local home visits, community education and resource recommendations.

To support your home care needs, we offer an equipment loan program that includes respiratory equipment and other supportive devices that you may need through the course of your illness. These items are available to you upon request.

Augmentative Communication

If you have ALS and are unable to speak, the Augmentative Communication Center located in the Forbes Norris Center provides you with an alternative way to communicate. Using assistive technology such as computers, other handheld devices, and low-tech devices that employ picture communications, we help you communicate with friends and loved ones. The Center provides ongoing assessment and assistance to accommodate your changing communication needs as your disease progresses. This equipment is available for loan at no cost.

Forbes Norris Information Center

The Forbes Norris Center offers a wide range of informational articles and referrals to local and national resource programs for our patients and caregivers.

Our Care Philosophy

Our founder, Dr. Forbes Norris, left us a legacy of compassionate care, which he felt every ALS patient deserved, as captured in his "Ten Commandments" for Optimal Motor Neuron Disease Patient Care.