Moving Forward After an ALS Diagnosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that impacts the functioning of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. ALS is also a progressive condition, which means that it worsens over time. Some people refer to ALS as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the New York Yankees professional baseball player who received a diagnosis in 1939. This helped bring national attention to a disease that few knew about or understood at that time.

The word amyotrophic means no muscle nourishment. Essentially, the muscles of the body do not receive proper signaling from the brain and begin to atrophy after a time. The earliest symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis include muscle weakness in the arms and legs and difficulty with breathing, swallowing, and speaking. The limbs will begin to appear thinner due to atrophy of the muscle tissues.

Quantum® Power Wheelchairs for ALS

The mobility needs of someone with ALS can change quickly due to the progressive nature of the condition. The Edge 3 Power Wheelchair is compatible with a wide array of components. This allows users to have their positioning, seating, and electronic components adjusted to accommodate their current needs. The Edge 3 is available with optional iLevel® Power Adjustable Seat Height, which raises the seat of the chair up to 12 inches to enable users to complete transfers, grooming, and other activities of daily living with greater ease. In addition, iLevel on the Edge 3 drives at 4.5 mph, enabling the user to quickly cross streets and parking lots safely.

Some Quantum wheelchairs, including the Edge 3, are compatible with a positioning system known as TRU-Balance 3® Power Positioning System, which provides postural realignment and relief of pressure. This feature can also provide improved breathing and functioning as well as the ability to reposition independently. TRU-Balance 3 is available with positioning options such as iLevel, power recline, power tilt and recline, and power articulating foot platform. Learn more about power wheelchairs for ALS.

Meeting the Needs of Those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

While a person newly diagnosed with ALS may be able to use a walker or cane at first, typically they will eventually need a power wheelchair. They may start with a power wheelchair that has a high-back support to help them maintain comfortable positioning and help them complete as Mobility Related Activities of Daily Living (MRADLs). Those with adequate muscle strength can power the wheelchair with a joystick while people with a more advanced case of ALS may require a chin control or mini-proportional joystick.

A patient with ALS should consider a power wheelchair base that can accommodate an oxygen tank or ventilator as the condition progresses. Front and rear LED fender lights on a power wheelchair can help the user see and be seen in all types of environments. See how Quantum power wheelchairs can meet the needs of those living with ALS.

How to Purchase a Power Wheelchair for ALS

Quantum offers a range of mobility solutions for those diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. If you need to purchase a wheelchair for ALS for yourself or a loved one, the first step is to schedule a physical examination with a doctor or physical therapist.

The purpose of this appointment is to determine whether complex rehabilitation technology such as a power wheelchair would be appropriate at this time. If the medical provider believes that it is, he or she will write a power wheelchair prescription. Once you have the prescription, you can use the Quantum provider locator feature on our website to find a provider where you can purchase a power wheelchair. The provider will work with your doctor and therapist to find you a wheelchair that meets your needs.