(3) Progressive difficulty in speaking and swallowing, speech may be nasal
and unintelligible.
(4)
Excessive drooling.
(5)
Muscle twitching.
(6)
Mental facilities are not affected.
(7)
Death usually occurs 3-5 years after onset.
c. Medical and Nursing Management
(1)
Objective--to support the patient and improve quality of life.
(2) Instruct the patient to perform active exercises and range of motion
exercises to strengthen uninvolved muscles and prevent disuse atrophy.
(3)
Utilize braces, splints, canes, etc., to keep patient mobile as long as
possible.
(4)
Assist the patient to prevent complications that may result from
symptoms.
(a) Keep suction apparatus at bedside, as aspiration is a constant
danger.
(b) Instruct patient to drink and eat in an upright position with the neck
flexed.
(c)
Use soft cervical collar if patient has difficulty holding head up.
(d) Give semi-soft foods. Avoid easily-aspirated pureed foods and
mucous producing foods (milk).
(e) Keep in mind that patient may have frequent outbursts of laughing
and crying.
(f)
Develop communication system when speech is lost.
(5)
Give patient and family compassionate and caring support.
(a) Allow expressions of feelings and frustrations about losses and
eventual outcome.
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