Hi Starfish,
I am sorry to hear about your mother. This is really scary, I know... my husband was diagnosed 2/20/08. It feels like that was 80 lifetimes ago, hard to believe it is just over 90 days...
I don't know your specific circumstances, but I can't imagine an ALS neuro turning you down because your mother isn't "progressed" enough. The ALS centers focus on early intervention, in what they can intervene in, that is. If you are going to an ALS center, be prepared for an overwhelming amount of information and people seeing your mother. Generally, when we go, we see the doctor, a physical therapist, speech therapist, respiratory therapist, occupational therapist, social worker and the nurse.
You didn't mention if your mother is on rilutek and/or lithium, but those are two prescription meds being used in ALS right now.
The ALS centers are great about giving tons of information, almost too much. Take notes, make sure they are easily accessible to you, either by phone or email. Lots of things come up that I want answers to right away, it was important to me to know who to contact with questions, and how soon I could expect them to respond.
Also, I write my questions down as they come up, and ask the doctor about things, For instance, I didn't know what fasciulations meant, I had her explain what is happening in the body with that. I didn't know why my husband has excessive saliva and what to do about that. As questions arise, I either call the center if it is urgent, or jot it down for our next visit.
I hope your visit is a good one. I am wishing your mother and your family the best...
Andrea - wife of Pals Jim