Nutritional Management in MND/ALS Patients: An Evidence Based Review
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Disorders
Heffernan, C., Jenkinson, C., et al. (2004).
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Disorders, 5(2), 72-83.
This systematic review investigates the assessment and management of dysphagia and nutritional status in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease.
Not stated
Through March 2005
Not further specified
92
<div>Patients with dysphagia symptoms should be referred to a speech-language pathologist and dietician for specialized evaluations (Level III Evidence).</div>
<div>The authors found no single clinical test to detect dysphagia in patients with ALS/motor neuron disease. However, the authors concluded that patients with swallowing problems should receive a bedside evaluation (Level III Evidence).</div>
<div>After patients have been identified with dysphagia, ongoing assessment and communication between team members is recommended (Level III Evidence).</div>
<div>The majority of studies pertaining to assessment were based on consensus and expert opinion. However, a few observational or case series studies suggest that objective measures such as videofluoroscopy and electromyography techniques should be considered for dysphagia evaluation (Level II Evidence).</div>
<div>No experimental, quasi-experimental or observational studies were found examining the management of dysphagia in individuals with ALS/motor neuron disease. Further research is warranted.</div>
