PALLIATIVE CARE IN AMYOTROPHIC-LATERAL-SCLEROSIS

The poor prognosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) makes pallia tive care a challenge for the neurologist. Most disabilities associate d 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 pronounce d dysphagia can be efficiently relieved by a percutaneous enterogastro stomy. Respiratory insufficiency can be treated by non-invasive ventil ation at home, provided the familial environment is supportive. Adequa te assistance and palliative treatment in the terminal phase is of par amount importance.