Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis rehabilitation management and non-pharmacological symptomatic treatment: A review

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2026 Jan;64(1):38-46. doi: 10.5414/CP204744.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that lacks effective treatment options for the prevention of progression. Relieving swallowing difficulties, reducing breathing difficulties, and alleviating muscle spasms are essential to improving the quality of life in patients with ALS. Many symptoms can be treated clinically with medication; however, the evidence level of related research is relatively low. Rehabilitation management can aid in improving various functional impairments and enhancing quality of life. This review introduces and describes the relevant evaluations of rehabilitation and nonpharmacological symptomatic treatment methods for functional disorders from the perspectives of motor and nonmotor symptoms. This review may promote the popularization of ALS rehabilitation management and provide an additional reference for ALS treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / diagnosis
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / physiopathology
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / psychology
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / rehabilitation
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome