Patient Care and Treatment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to limb paralysis and respiratory failure. ALS is considered as an incurable disease. However, the management has considerably changed for recent years. Currently, four crucial sections of practice and treatment have been recommended for prolonging the survival of ALS patients: 1) symptomatic treatment; 2) respiratory management; 3) nutritional management; and 4) disease modifying medication. Although many clinical symptoms occur during the disease course, those symptoms are treatable in ALS patients. All efforts should be made to improve quality of life and to assist in keeping the patient’s autonomy. Advanced directives on end of life care, respiratory and nutritional management during late stages of life are important issues. This review article introduces current treatment, including symptomatic treatments, ventilation, nutrition, disease modifying medication or condition in ALS patients, including riluzole, serum levels of cholesterol, urate and ferritin, and clinical therapeutic trials.

J Neurol Res. 2013;3(1):1-11
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jnr176w