title: [Weaning--definition and clinical context from the neurologist's view].
abstract: Special conditions in neurologic patients arise, first, from abnormal breathing patterns with brain lesions. These however may be managed effectively by adaptive ventilator settings together with special drugs thus not ultimatively precluding weaning. Second, failure of respiratory muscle strength is a leading cause of weaning failure. In acute neuromuscular diseases during the weaning process special attention should be payed to the parameters of muscle strength, and for disturbances of swallowing at least after extubation. In degenerative terminally decompensated neuromuscular disease, an exact diagnosis and information is essential to help the patient in decision-making towards terminal weaning or long-term home ventilatory support.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Müllges
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*