An effective rehabilitation program can help maintain a patient’s quality of life (QOL), as well as maximize the patient’s physical and psychosocial functions.
Modalities such as range-of-motion and strengthening exercise, along with bracing and appropriate surgical intervention, may prolong ambulation.
Endurance (aerobic) exercise may yield functional improvement and greater independence in activities of daily living (ADLs).
Advancements in non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation technology have greatly reduced pulmonary morbidity in NMDs. Cardiac complications, though severe in some NMDs, often respond to medical management.
Psychosocial and vocational issues should be addressed as part of the management of NMDs.
Such comprehensive management usually requires the efforts of a multidisciplinary team.
Diseases
Motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
The physician should then assess the patient’s and family’s goals and orchestrate a palliative and rehabilitative program that matches those goals.
Physicians
Nurses
Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
Social workers
Vocational counselors
Psychologists
Although NMDs are not curable, they are treatable and do respond to rehabilitation. Ideally, because of the significant mobility problems associated with most NMDs, all key clinic personnel should be available at each visit.
