RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Tracheostomy in motor neurone disease
JF Practical Neurology
JO Pract Neurol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 467
OP 475
DO 10.1136/practneurol-2018-002109
VO 19
IS 6
A1 Martin R Turner
A1 Christina Faull
A1 Christopher J McDermott
A1 Annabel H Nickol
A1 Jonathan Palmer
A1 Kevin Talbot
YR 2019
UL http://pn.bmj.com/content/19/6/467.abstract
AB Tracheostomy-associated ventilation for the respiratory insufficiency caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (motor neurone disease (MND)) is a complex issue with practical, ethical and economic dimensions. This article considers the current prevalence of tracheostomy in MND, the evidence for its benefit both for survival and quality of life, and the practicalities of its implementation. The decision to request invasive ventilatory support is among the most challenging for those living with MND. Neurologists should be prepared to discuss this option openly and objectively: we suggest a framework for discussion, including withdrawal of therapy.