Treatment of fatigue in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease
Abstract Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is terminal, progressive neurological condition for which there are no curative treatments. Among people with ALS/MND, fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom, which is characterised by reversible motor weakness and whole-body tiredness that is only partially relieved by rest. The effectiveness […]
Stretch for the treatment and prevention of contractures
Abstract Background Contractures are a common complication of neurological and non-neurological conditions, and are characterised by a reduction in joint mobility. Stretch is widely used for the treatment and prevention of contractures. However, it is not clear whether stretch is effective. This review is an update of the original 2010 version of this review. Objectives […]
Pharmacological treatments for fatigue associated with palliative care
Abstract Background This review updates the original review, ‘Pharmacological treatments for fatigue associated with palliative care’ and also incorporates the review ‘Drug therapy for the management of cancer-related fatigue’. In healthy individuals, fatigue is a protective response to physical or mental stress, often relieved by rest. By contrast, in palliative care patients’ fatigue can be […]
Nocturnal mechanical ventilation for chronic hypoventilation in patients with neuromuscular and chest wall disorders
Abstract Background Chronic alveolar hypoventilation is a common complication of many neuromuscular and chest wall disorders. Long-term nocturnal mechanical ventilation is commonly used to treat it. This is a 2014 update of a review first published in 2000 and previously updated in 2007. Objectives To examine the effects on mortality of nocturnal mechanical ventilation in […]
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or motor neuron disease
Abstract Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease without effective therapies. Several studies have suggested that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may have positive benefit in ALS. However, the efficacy and safety of this therapy remain uncertain. This is the first update of a review […]
Mechanical ventilation for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease
Abstract Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease, is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. Neuromuscular respiratory failure is the most common cause of death, which usually occurs within two to five years of the disease onset. Supporting respiratory function with mechanical ventilation may improve survival and quality of life. This is the […]
Riluzole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/motor neuron disease (MND)
Abstract Background Riluzole is approved for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in most countries. Questions persist about its clinical utility because of high cost and modest efficacy. Objectives To examine the efficacy of riluzole in prolonging survival and in delaying the use of surrogates (tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation) to sustain survival, and to assess […]