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ALS treatment
Riluzole is the only therapy to have proven any efficacy. Studied since 1996, its efficacy remains moderate with an increase in survival time counted in months.

Therefore, treatment is essentially symptomatic:
  • Physiotherapy and occupational therapy (including specific equipment designed to alleviate the progression of disability)
  • Speech therapy for dysarthria (disorders affecting speech execution) and swallowing disordersTreating respiratory infections with antibiotics (to avoid aggravating breathing difficulties)
  • Drug treatment of cramps and spasticity
  • Gastrostomy in the event of severe swallowing difficulties, or use of a nasogastric tube.
  • Assisted ventilation in the event of breathing problems due to weakness of the diaphragm. Non-invasive ventilation (using a tightly-fitting mask) relieves symptoms of respiratory impairment and can substantially increase lifespan