Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Nutrition, and Feeding Tube Placement

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative motor neuron disease, characterized by progressive muscle wasting, leading to paralysis of all voluntary muscles, including those used for swallowing and respiration.^1-3 Malnutrition is estimated to develop in 25% to 50% of patients.⁴