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
- Nebulized medications
- Steroids
- Antibiotics
- Assisted ventilation / intubation
Source
Tintinalli