ALS multidisciplinary clinic (UMELA), Hospital Universitario Donostia

The newly stablished ALS multidisciplinary clinic (UMELA) in San Sebastián undertakes and oversees the overall care of patients with MND in the Guipúzcoa region (Basque Country, Spain). Furthermore, referrals for expert opinion from other regions in the Basque Country and nearby communities are received. The UMELA is part of the Neuromuscular Clinic based at Hospital Universitario Donostia, with more than 25 years of experience in attending and caring for patients with neuromuscular diseases. The ALS clinic is attended by neurologists, a specialized MND nurse, physio, speech and occupational therapists, nutritionists, pneumologists, palliative doctors and neurophysiologists.
An active ALS research group in Biodonostia Health Research Institute aims to contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of ALS, the discovery of biomarkers and the development of new therapeutic strategies. This ALS research group is integrated in the Spanish Neurodegenerative Diseases Network (CIBERNED) and Basque Biobank, and has several collaborations with other national and international MND research groups.