Comprehensive rehabilitative care across the spectrum of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Sabrina Paganoni, Chafic Karam, Nanette Joyce, Richard Bedlack, Gregory T. Carter

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

48 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) is a neurodegenerative disease that results in progressive muscle weakness and wasting. There is no known cure and the disease is uniformly fatal. PURPOSE: This review discusses current concepts in ALS care, from breaking the diagnosis to end-of-life care. People with ALS have several multidisciplinary needs due to a complex and dynamic disease process. They benefit from rehabilitation interventions that are individualized and have the goal of optimizing independence, function, and safety. These strategies also help minimize symptomatic burden and maximize quality of life. CONCLUSION: Patient-centered, multidisciplinary care has a significant impact on the life of people with ALS and is the current standard of care for this patient population.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-68
Number of pages16
JournalNeuroRehabilitation
Volume37
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 22 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • assistive device
  • braces
  • equipment
  • function
  • palliative care
  • quality of life
  • rehabilitation
  • supportive care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation
  • Clinical Neurology

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