ABSTRACT
The detection of respiratory muscle weakness in ALS is necessary to plan initiation of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and begin discussion of advanced directives. The authors measured the erect seated and supine forced vital capacity (FVC) in 38 patients with ALS and 15 controls. The supine FVC is significantly lower and the erect--supine FVC difference is significantly greater in patients with complaints of dyspnea, orthopnea, and daytime fatigue.
Subject(s)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis/physiopathology , Posture/physiology , Respiration Disorders/physiopathology , Vital Capacity/physiology , Adult , Female , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
Exercise has important benefits for patients who have epilepsy, but several factors must be considered when making activity recommendations. Seizures during sports activity are rare, and exercise may have anti-epileptic effects acutely, but physicians, coaches, and parents should know what to do if a seizure occurs. Many sports activities are permissible as long as patients avoid overexertion, dehydration, and hypoglycemia. Some antiepileptic drugs may adversely affect sports performance, and exercise in turn may reduce serum drug levels by increasing circulating liver enzymes.
