Symptomatic Treatment of ALS

Presented by:
Daniel S. Newman, M.D.

First presented on May 15, 2004, Daniel Newman, M.D. gave the following presentation entitled “Symptomatic Treatment of ALS” during the Ask the Experts session at The ALS Association’s annual Advocacy Day Conference held in Washington, D.C.

This presentation, prepared for healthcare professionals, people living with ALS and their families, focuses on symptom management and what can be done to help people living with ALS be more independent, live longer and have a good quality of life.

Dr. Newman serves as the Medical Director at the Harry J. Hoenselaar ALSA Certified Center^SM of Excellence at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.

The following video clips of the presentation are broken up into topical segments.  Requires Windows Media Player to view.

Clip 1 - Click here to download video
What do we know and when do we know it

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Motor Neuron Disease
The upper and lower motor neurons
Symptom prevalence at onset
Symptom prevalence in end stage ALS

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Immobility
Constipation
While we’re on the subject
Muscle Cramps
Fasciculations

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Urinary urgency
Stiffness/Immobility

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Insomnia
Depression
Pain
Sialorrhea (drooling)

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Nutrition
Peg tube

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Palliative Care – phlegm/mucous
The Vest
In-exsufflator: a cough-assist machine
Laryngospasm and reflux

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Pseudobulbar affect – emotional incontinence
Respiratory insufficiency
Palliative care – restlessness

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The role of the ALS Clinic
Palliative care – the role of hospice
The terminal phase in ALS

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Summary
The People Who Make it Possible