Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis A Guide for Patients and Families

9781888799286

1888799285

Since publication of the first edition of this book, the understanding andreatment of ALS have changed dramatically. The many puzzles of this diseasere being steadily solved. One cause of familial ALS has been identified, andhe mechanisms of motor neuron cell death are much better understood. The FDAas approved riluzole, the first drug available for the treatment of ALS.dditional drugs are being tested and others are on the horizon. Thisomprehensive guide covers every aspect of the management of ALS. Beginningith discussions of clinical features of the disease, diagnosis, and anverview of symptom management. Major sections deal with medical andehabilitative management, living with ALS, managing advanced disease,nd-of-life issues, and resources that can provide support and assistance.egardless of their views about long-range events, everyone dealing with theeality of ALS wants to know what to do now.;Issues that they have or willeed to deal with include: * whether to participate in therapeutic trials *he role of rehabilitation treatments * the use of riluzole (Rilutek), as