Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Revision as of 01:40, 17 November 2011 by Rossdonaldson1 (talk | contribs)

Background

  • Progressive muscle atrophy/weakness due to degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons
  • Pts will rarely present to the ED undiagnosed

Clinical Features

  • Acute respiratory failure
    • Predicted by forced VC <25 mL/kg or 50% decrease from normal
  • Aspiration pneumonia
  • Trauma related to extremity weakness

Management

  1. Nebulized medications
  2. Steroids
  3. Antibiotics
  4. Assisted ventilation / intubation

Source

Tintinalli