Article

This article describes an inexpensive elastic head support for persons with
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and neck muscle weakness and also presents a
case series to examine its effectiveness. The device offers support to the head
while the user is seated, standing, and walking, providing support for persons in
various stages of ALS. The head support system was tested in seven male patients
with ALS. Before and after the 2 wk trial, the subjects answered questions
related to their communication efficacy, difficulty swallowing, level of neck
discomfort, number of hours being upright before neck discomfort, comfort in
social settings, and rating of perceived dyspnea. Subjects also answered specific
questions related to the elastic head support after the 2 wk trial. The results
suggested that the elastic head support is useful for some, but not all,
patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS