Comprehensive management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive motor neuron disease that poses a myriad of clinical problems. Patients with ALS are best treated in a multidisciplinary setting involving physicians, clinical nursing specialists, and physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists, as well as psychologists and social workers. Palliative and rehabilitative strategies may ease suffering, while new treatments provide hope for effective treatment of this disease.