Abstract

MARTINEZ, Hector R. et al. A multidisciplinary clinic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients in Northeast Mexico. Rev. mex. neurocienc. [online]. 2020, vol.21, n.2, pp.66-70.  Epub Mar 22, 2022. ISSN 2604-6180.  https://doi.org/10.24875/rmn.19000144.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by rapid deterioration and selective death of motor neurons (MNs) in central nervous system. There is no effective therapy for ALS patients. Riluzole, only slightly delays disease progression. Edaravone was FDA approved as an intravenous therapy, however, this drug is expensive and has been applied in few cases in our country. There is compelling evidence patients who attend an ALS multidisciplinary clinic experience improved survival. An ALS multidisciplinary clinic was launched in our institution and adapted to our healthcare system. It is described the processes involved in the evaluation of patients in an all day long session where ALS patients are evaluated by several professionals from different specialties specially trained in the needs of subjects living with this disorder. We consider that this model of healthcare for patients with ALS may be useful in another healthcare institutions in our country.

Keywords : Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; Multidisciplinary clinic; Mortality; Survival.

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