Abstract
The poor prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) makes palliative care a challenge for the neurologist. Most disabilities associated with progressive disease can be ameliorated by symptomatic treatment. Prognosis and treatment options should be openly discussed with the patient and his/her relatives. Nutritional deficiency due to pronounced dysphagia can be efficiently relieved by a percutaneous enterogastrostomy. Respiratory insufficiency can be treated by non-invasive ventilation at home, provided the familial environment is supportive. Adequate assistance and palliative treatment in the terminal phase is of paramount importance.
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Borasio, G., Voltz, R. Palliative care in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 244 (Suppl 4), S11–S17 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00007719
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/PL00007719