Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Although there have been major advances in understanding the underlying pathology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), for most patients the clinical outcome is invariably fatal. However, a great deal can be done by physicians and other health care professionals to treat the symptoms of ALS, to improve the patient's quality of life, and to help caregivers and families to cope with the disease. It is to these varied groups that this book is addressed. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of the management of ALS. Beginning with discussions of classification and clinical features of the disease, its diagnosis, care of patients, therapeutic trials, and unorthodox treatments, major sections also deal with speech problems, physical therapy, nutrition, environmental adaptations, ventilatory care, nursing care, long term care and financial resources, and the role of support groups. Rounding out this comprehensive review are sections that deal with hospice care, life support systems, legal, ethical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects of dealing with ALS, and the role of the national voluntary health agency in dealing with all aspects of the disease.