The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis center: a model of multidisciplinary management

Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2008 Aug;19(3):619-31, xi. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2008.04.004.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, progressive motor neuron disorder that poses a myriad of clinical problems. Patients who have ALS are best cared for in a multidisciplinary fashion, with involvement of clinicians from various specialties, including neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pulmonary medicine, clinical nurse specialists or nurse practitioners, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, dietitians, psychologists, social workers, and case managers. This article provides a summary of the current research into the rehabilitation of ALS, including the role of exercise, spasticity management, mood disorders, pain, and palliative care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / therapy*
  • Comprehensive Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Planning / organization & administration*
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration*
  • Terminal Care / organization & administration