Diaphragmatic paralysis in motor neurone disease: use of non-invasive investigative and therapeutic techniques.
Two cases of bilateral diaphragmatic weakness are described in which the condition was the presenting feature of motor neurone disease. Inspiratory muscle strength was assessed by a non-invasive technique involving measurements of pressures generated within the mouth. One patient with severe inspiratory muscle weakness is being treated with domiciliary nasal ventilation and has returned to a good-quality life. The other patient with less severe weakness has thus far required no ventilatory support.
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
M K
MK
Sridhar
K
K
Anderson
A
A
Weir
F
F
Moran
S W
SW
Banham
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy