ABSTRACT

This chapter explores some factors that should be taken into account when caring for a patient with a neurological disease. Motor neurone disease (MND) is used as an example to demonstrate some of these differences. MND like many neurological diseases, is uncommon. Symptoms may be present for some time before diagnosis is clear. As the diagnosis becomes clear, and the patient and family are informed, increased provision of support and listening is important. After the initial shock of the diagnosis, patients and families may need some time to acknowledge and discuss the effects on their lives. Physical aspects include the following: positioning, pain, dyspnoea, dysphagia, muscle stiffness, communication difficulties, constipation and oedema. The speech and language therapist will assess and advise on communication difficulties. The care of the family in bereavement starts before the death, as the care of the patient and family throughout the disease progression will influence the bereavement.