MANAGEMENT OF ORAL PHARYNGEAL DYSPHAGIA SYMPTOMS IN AMYOTROPHIC-LATERAL-SCLEROSIS

Oral and pharyngeal dysphagia is a common symptom in patients with amy otrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and is the result of a progressive lo ss of function in bulbar and respiratory muscles. Clinicians involved in the management of ALS patients should be familiar with the common c linical findings and the usual patterns of temporal progression. The p revention of secondary complications, such as nutritional deficiency a nd dehydration that compound the deteriorating effects of the disease, requires careful monitoring of each patient's functional status and t imely intervention with appropriate management techniques.