Sleep Breathing Disorders in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract

This chapter discusses the unique challenges of recognizing and optimizing treatment for sleep-disordered breathing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Noninvasive ventilation is becoming more sophisticated while being increasingly used for respiratory failure in ALS. It is important to understand the different devices, modes, and settings in order to successfully support ventilation. As this case demonstrates, applying the wrong therapy can lead to unacceptance or treatment failure, which may be devastating for the ALS patient. Furthermore, this case highlights how treatment titration may be successfully performed outside of an overnight sleep study.