Laryngeal Responses to Mechanically Assisted Cough in Progressing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

Applying high insufflation pressures during mechanically assisted cough in ALS can become counterproductive as the disease progresses as well as prior to the onset of bulbar symptoms. The application of positive inspiratory pressures should be tailored to the individual patient, and laryngoscopy during ongoing treatment appears to be a feasible tool.