Respiratory Management Of ALS: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The Respiratory Management of Motor Neuron Disease brings together the latest research, expert opinions, and treatment options for respiratory symptom management. It provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to assessment of upper and lower airway structures and how motor neuron loss impairs function. Treatment options emphasize symptom management and enhanced quality of life. Palliative care, end-of-life decision making, and long term mechanical ventilation in patients with MND/ALS are included.This textbook encourages critical thinking through 1) inclusion of researchable questions at the end of chapters, and 2) discussion of different approaches to patient assessment and symptom management when medical evidence is lacking. Students will be encouraged to use their understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, lung expansion and secretion mobilization techniques to review, support or challenge current practices in MND/ALS. Respiratory therapy students, respiratory care practitioners, nurses in neurology clinics, primary care physicians, and pulmonologists whose practice includes patients with motor neuron disease will all benefit from the detailed review of bulbar and thoracic muscles, loss of function, and treatment recommendations.