Citation

Voltz R, Borasio GD. J. Neurol. 1997; 244 Suppl 4: S2-10.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/PL00007721

PMID

9402547

Abstract

As recently pointed out by the American Academy of Neurology, providing adequate palliative care to dying patients is the duty of every neurologist. Because of a lack of relevant articles in the neurological literature, we have compiled current treatment recommendations for the most important symptoms arising in the endstage of neurological diseases. These recommendations include treatment of dyspnea, death rattle, restlessness, pain, thirst, depression, and others. A discussion of difficult decisions is included, e.g., the appropriate extent of fluid substitution or the ethical implications of sedation in the terminal phase. It is hoped that this compilation may provide a basis for future research in palliative therapy in neurology.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Advance Directives; Brain Neoplasms; Delirium; Dyspnea; Fluid Therapy; Glioblastoma; Humans; Hypnotics and Sedatives; Male; Middle Aged; Muscular Atrophy, Spinal; Narcotics; Nervous System Diseases; Pain; Palliative Care; Quality of Life; Respiratory Sounds; Suicide Prevention; Terminal Care; Truth Disclosure