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Review
. 2020 Aug;38(3):565-575.
doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2020.03.013. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

ALS: Management Problems

Jonathan R Brent  1 , Colin K Franz  2 , John M Coleman 3rd  3 , Senda Ajroud-Driss  4
Affiliations
Review

ALS: Management Problems

Jonathan R Brent et al. Neurol Clin. 2020 Aug.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal disease with no cure; however, symptomatic management has an impact on quality of life and survival. Symptom management is best performed in a multidisciplinary care setting, where patients are evaluated by multiple health care professionals. Respiratory failure is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ALS. Early initiation of noninvasive ventilation can prolong survival, and adequate use of airway clearance techniques can prevent respiratory infections. Preventing and treating weight loss caused by dysphagia may slow down disease progression, and expert management of spasticity from upper motor neuron dysfunction enhances patient well-being.

Keywords: ALS; Dysarthria; Dysphagia; Noninvasive ventilation; Respiratory failure; Secretion management; Sialorrhea; Spasticity.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Decision tree, management of respiratory failure in ALS.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Airway clearance techniques in ALS.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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