The management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The terms amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or motor neuron disease (MND) refer to a condition characterized by motor system degeneration with relative preservation of other pathways. Although there have been advances in symptomatic treatment, ALS remains an incurable condition. Advances in ALS management prolong survival but simultaneously raise challenging ethical dilemmas for physicians, patients and their families. Here, we review current practice in the management of ALS including pharmacological treatment, nutritional management, respiratory care, and evolving strategies in the management of cognitive impairment.
Phukan
Julie
J
Dept. of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, and Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Dublin 9, Ireland.
Hardiman
Orla
O
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000592:standards; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000941:ethics / Q000592:standards