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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Review of medical evidence for treatment

Abstract:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative adult onset disease. Presently, ALS is considered a complexed multifactorial disorder of unknown etiology. Consequently, optimal treatment of ALS requires an integral multidisciplinary approach. Early care and palliative support in ALS lead to an improvement in survival and quality of life of patients. A multidisciplinary treatment approach is essential to provide adequate management of symptoms, respiratory problems, psychological, and social support. This review is based on literature with evidence-based practice parameters, which substantiate recommendations to guide clinical decisions in the treatment of ALS. The focus is mainly on how information is provided to the patient in regards to diagnosis and prognosis, symptomatic treatment, decisions about nutrition and gastrulation, respiratory assistance, and palliative care.