A family physician or general practitioner is a healthcare professional that provides non-emergency care, refers patients to specialists, manages chronic illnesses, and prescribes medications.
An individual with ALS will maintain their relationship with their existing family physician, if they have one. A family physician from a palliative care clinic may be assigned in some cases.
A neurologist is a specialist that specializes in aspects of the nervous system.
Typically, it is a neurologist that would examine and diagnose an individual with ALS. Further contact with a neurologist may be limited after diagnosis, unless the patient has chosen to participate in studies or receive treatments to alter the course of the disease.
A nurse is a healthcare professional that focuses on maintaining the health and well-being of a patient. Nurses often play a significant role in managing the symptoms of ALS.
An occupational therapist is an individual that assists with the regaining or maintaining of motor skills required to perform a wide range of activities, such as standing, or writing. For individuals with ALS, occupational therapists are focused on provisioning assistive devices.
Occupational therapists may specialize in certain aspects of their field; some will focus on mobility such as the use of wheelchairs or lifts, while others may focus on tasks such as eating or writing. An individual with ALS may work with several different occupational therapists.
A physiatrist is a specialist that specializes in the treatment of disability caused by injury or disease.
Physiatrists work with ALS patients by evaluating their strength and mobility, and prescribing treatments such as medications or assistive devices.
A physiotherapist is a medical professional that evaluates and assists patients that have strength or mobility issues.
Physiotherapists work with ALS patients to help maintain mobility and flexibility.
See also: Living with ALS: Physiotherapy
A pulmonologist is a medical professional that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the lungs and respiratory system.
Pulmonologists are known as respirologists in Canada and some other countries.
Pulmonologists work with ALS patients to manage respiratory symptoms caused by the disease. Contact with a pulmonologist is often made early in the disease course, to enable taking baseline readings of pulmonary function, establishing a working relationship with the patient, and to get far ahead of any upcoming life-threatening respiratory issues.
A speech-language pathologist is an individual that specializes in the management of communication and swallowing disorders.
Speech-language pathologists work with ALS patients when they have eating and speaking difficulties.
See also: Unlicensed Assistive Personnel and Live-In Caregivers
Unlicensed assistive personnel and live-in caregivers are unlicensed individuals that provide assistance within the patient's home, or in a care facility. They typically assist with tasks such as grooming, personal hygiene, light meal preparation, and so forth. More complex or invasive care needs are typically handled by nurses or physicians.