Palliative care of patients with motor neurone disease

AbstractAs there is no curative treatment for motor neurone disease (MND), palliative care is appropriate from the time of diagnosis with the aim of managing the symptoms and problems faced by the patient, and their family, allowing the maintenance of quality of life. This will involve a multidisciplinary assessment considering all the aspects of care – physical, psychological, social and spiritual – of both the person with MND and their close family/carers. The care provided may include the consideration of many ethical dilemmas, especially as death approaches and careful discussion and team involvement is essential. This paper provides recommendations for the appropriate management and support of patients with MND so that they are able to die peacefully.