Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder leading to impairments in limb movement, speaking, swallowing, and breathing. There is no cure for ALS, and it is invariably a life-shortening illness. Though central nervous system (CNS) sensory areas are not typically implicated in ALS pathophysiology, pain is an often-overlooked symptom. There is a lack of robust data on the management of pain in ALS, including a near absence of clinical trial data. Experts promote an interprofessional approach for optimal analgesic management.
Link: Fast Facts #476 (1/2024)