Motor neurone disease: Management Guidelines by NICE

Written by Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Kohli Published On 2019-10-10T19:00:40+05:30 | Updated On 9 Aug 2021 4:57 PM IST

National Institute of healthcare Excellence(NICE) has updated its guideline on Assessment and management of motor neurone disease. The original guideline was formulated in February 2016. This information explains the advice about motor neurone disease (MND) that is set out in NICE guideline NG42. It also covers advice on non‑invasive ventilation that NICE produced in 2010.

Motor neurone disease is commonly known as MND. It is also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is usually shortened to ALS.

The motor neurones are nerves in the brain and spinal cord that control the muscles used for gripping, walking, moving, speaking, swallowing and breathing. In MND the motor neurones gradually stop working properly, so their messages do not get through to the muscles. This means that MND affects how you grip, walk, move, speak, swallow and breathe.

Following are the major recommendations:

Managing symptoms

Pharmacological treatments for muscle problems

Discuss the available treatment options for muscle problems. Take into account the person's needs and preferences, and whether they have any difficulties taking medicine (for example, if they have problems swallowing). [new 2016]

Consider quinine^[1] as first‑line treatment for muscle cramps in people with MND. If quinine is not effective, not tolerated or contraindicated, consider baclofen^[1] instead of as second‑line treatment. If baclofen is not effective, not tolerated or contraindicated, consider tizanidine^[1], dantrolene^[1] or gabapentin^[2]. [new 2016]

Consider baclofen, tizanidine, dantrolene^[1] or gabapentin^[2] to treat muscle stiffness, spasticity or increased tone in people with MND. If these treatments are not effective, not tolerated or contraindicated, consider referral to a specialist service for the treatment of severe spasticity. [new 2016]

Review the treatments for muscle problems during multidisciplinary team assessments, ask about how the person is finding the treatment, whether it is working and whether they have any adverse side effects. [new 2016]

Exercise programmes

Consider an exercise programme for people with MND to:

maintain joint range of movement

prevent contractures

reduce stiffness and discomfort

optimise function and quality of life. [new 2016]

Choose a programme that is appropriate to the person's level of function and tailored to their needs, abilities and preferences. Take into account factors such as postural needs and fatigue. The programme might be a resistance programme, an active‑assisted programme or a passive programme. [new 2016]

Check that family member and/or carers (as appropriate) are willing and able to help with exercise programmes. [new 2016]

Give advice to the person and their family members and/or carers (as appropriate) about safe manual handling. [new 2016]

If a person needs orthoses to help with muscle problems, they should be referred to orthotics services without delay, and the orthoses should be provided without delay. [new 2016]

Saliva problems

If a person with MND has problems with saliva, assess the volume and viscosity of the saliva and the person's respiratory function, swallowing, diet, posture and oral care. [new 2016]

If a person with MND has problems with drooling of saliva (sialorrhoea), provide advice on swallowing, diet, posture, positioning, oral care and suctioning. [new 2016]

Consider a trial of antimuscarinic medicine^[1] as the first‑line treatment for sialorrhoea in people with MND. [new 2016]

Consider glycopyrrolate^[1] as the first‑line treatment for sialorrhoea in people with MND who have a cognitive impairment, because it has fewer central nervous system side effects. [new 2016]

If first-line treatment for sialorrhoea is not effective, not tolerated or contraindicated, consider referral to a specialist service for Botulinum toxin A^[1]. [new 2016]

If a person with MND has thick, tenacious saliva:

review all current medicines, especially any treatments for sialorrhoea

provide advice on swallowing, diet, posture, positioning, oral care, suctioning and hydration

consider treatment with humidification, nebulisers and carbocisteine. [new 2016]

9. Equipment and adaptations to aid activities of daily living and mobility

Healthcare professionals and social care practitioners, which will include physiotherapists and occupational therapists, should assess and anticipate changes in the person's daily living needs, taking into account the following:

Activities of daily living, including personal care, dressing and bathing, housework, shopping, food preparation, eating and drinking, and ability to continue with current work and usual activities.

Mobility and avoiding falls and problems from loss of dexterity.

The home environment and the need for adaptations.

The need for assistive technology, such as environmental control systems. [new 2016]

Provide equipment and adaptations that meet the person's needs without delay, so that people can participate in activities of daily living and maintain their quality of life as much as possible. [new 2016]

Refer people to specialist services without delay if assistive technology such as environmental control systems is needed. People should be assessed and assistive technology provided without delay. [new 2016]

Refer people to wheelchair services without delay if needed. Wheelchair needs should be assessed and a manual and/or powered wheelchair that meets the person's needs should be provided without delay. [new 2016]

Ensure that equipment, adaptations, daily living aids, assistive technology and wheelchairs meet the changing needs of the person and their family and/or carers (as appropriate) to maximise mobility and participation in activities of daily living. [new 2016]

Ensure regular, ongoing monitoring of the person's mobility and daily life needs and abilities as MND progresses. Regularly review their ability to use equipment and to adapt equipment as necessary. [new 2016]

Healthcare professionals, social care practitioners and other services providing equipment should liaise to ensure that all equipment provided can be integrated, for example, integrating AAC aids and devices and environmental control systems with wheelchairs. [new 2016]

Enable prompt access and assessment for funding for home adaptation. If the person is not eligible for funding, continue to offer information and support in arranging home environment adaptations. [new 2016]

10. Nutrition and gastrostomy

Please also refer to the recommendations in NICE's guideline on nutrition support for adults.

At diagnosis and at multidisciplinary team assessments, or if there are any concerns about weight, nutrition or swallowing, assess the person's weight, diet, nutritional intake, fluid intake, hydration, oral health, feeding, drinking and swallowing, and offer support, advice and interventions as needed. [new 2016]

Assess the person's diet, hydration, nutritional intake and fluid intake by taking into account:

fluids and food intake versus nutritional and hydration needs

nutritional supplements, if needed

appetite and thirst

gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or constipation

causes of reduced oral intake (for example, swallowing difficulties, limb weakness or the possibility of low mood or depression causing loss of appetite). [new 2016]

Assess the person's ability to eat and drink by taking into account:

the need for eating and drinking aids and altered utensils to help them take food from the plate to their mouth

the need for help with food and drink preparation

advice and aids for positioning, seating and posture while eating and drinking

dealing with social situations (for example, eating out). [new 2016]

Arrange for a clinical swallowing assessment if swallowing problems are suspected. [new 2016]

Assess and manage factors that may contribute to problems with swallowing, such as:

positioning

seating

the need to modify food and drink consistency and palatability

respiratory symptoms and risk of aspiration and/or choking

fear of choking and psychological considerations (for example, wanting to eat and drink without assistance in social situations). [new 2016]

Discuss gastrostomy at an early stage, and at regular intervals as MND progresses, taking into account the person's preferences and issues, such as ability to swallow, weight loss, respiratory function, effort of feeding and drinking and risk of choking. Be aware that some people will not want to have a gastrostomy. [new 2016]

Explain the benefits of early placement of a gastrostomy, and the possible risks of a late gastrostomy (for example, low critical body mass, respiratory complications, risk of dehydration, different methods of insertion, and a higher risk of mortality and procedural complications). [new 2016]

If a person is referred for a gastrostomy, it should take place without unnecessary delay. [new 2016]

Pay particular attention to the nutritional and hydration needs of people with MND who have frontotemporal dementia and who lack mental capacity. The multidisciplinary team assessment should include the support they need from carers, and their ability to understand the risks of swallowing difficulties. [new 2016]

Before a decision is made on the use of gastrostomy for a person with MND who has frontotemporal dementia, the neurologist from the multidisciplinary team should assess the following:

The person's ability to make decisions and to give consent.

The severity of frontotemporal dementia and cognitive problems.

Whether the person is likely to accept and cope with treatment.Discuss with the person's family members and/or carers (as appropriate; with the person's consent if they have the ability to give it). [new 2016]

11. Communication

When assessing speech and communication needs during multidisciplinary team assessments and other appointments, discuss face‑to‑face and remote communication, for example, using the telephone, email, the Internet and social media. Ensure that the assessment and review is carried out by a speech and language therapist without delay. [new 2016]

Provide AAC equipment that meets the needs of the person without delay to maximise participation in activities of daily living and maintain quality of life. The use of both low‑level technologies, for example, alphabet, word or picture boards and high‑level technologies, for example, PC or tablet‑based voice output communication aids may be helpful. Review the person's communication needs during multidisciplinary team assessments. [new 2016]

Liaise with, or refer the person with MND to, a specialised NHS AAC hub if complex high technology AAC equipment (for example, eye gaze access) is needed or is likely to be needed. [new 2016]

Involve other healthcare professionals, such as occupational therapists, to ensure that AAC equipment is integrated with other assistive technologies, such as environmental control systems and personal computers or tablets. [new 2016]

Ensure regular, ongoing monitoring of the person's communication needs and abilities as MND progresses, and review their ability to use AAC equipment. Reassess and liaise with a specialised NHS AAC hub if needed. [new 2016]

Provide ongoing support and training for the person with MND, and their family members and/or carers (as appropriate), in using AAC equipment and other communication strategies. [new 2016]

12. Respiratory function and respiratory symptoms

Assess and monitor the person's respiratory function and symptoms. Treat people with MND and worsening respiratory impairment for reversible causes (for example, respiratory tract infections or secretion problems) before considering other treatments. [new 2016]

Offer non-invasive ventilation as treatment for people with respiratory impairment (see section 1.14). Decisions to offer non‑invasive ventilation should be made by the multidisciplinary team in conjunction with the respiratory ventilation service, and the person (see recommendations 1.5.1–1.5.5). [new 2016]

Consider urgent introduction of non‑invasive ventilation for people with MND who develop worsening respiratory impairment and are not already using non‑invasive ventilation. [new 2016]

Consider opioids^[1] as an option to relieve symptoms of breathlessness. Take into account the route of administration and acquisition cost of medicines. [new 2016]

Consider benzodiazepines^[1] to manage breathlessness that is exacerbated by anxiety. Take into account the route of administration and acquisition cost of medicines. [new 2016]

13. Cough effectiveness

Offer cough augmentation techniques such as manual assisted cough to people with MND who cannot cough effectively. [new 2016]

Consider unassisted breath stacking and/or manual assisted cough as the first‑line treatment for people with MND who have an ineffective cough. [new 2016]

For people with bulbar dysfunction, or whose cough is ineffective with unassisted breath stacking, consider assisted breath stacking (for example, using a lung volume recruitment bag). [new 2016]

Consider a mechanical cough assist device if assisted breath stacking is not effective, and/or during a respiratory tract infection. [new 2016]

14. Non-invasive ventilation

Information and support about non‑invasive ventilation

Offer to discuss the possible use of non‑invasive ventilation with the person and (if the person agrees) their family and carers, at an appropriate time and in a sensitive manner. This may be at one or more of the following times:

soon after MND is first diagnosed

when monitoring respiratory function

when respiratory function deteriorates

if the person asks for information. [2010]

Discussions about non‑invasive ventilation should be appropriate to the stage of the person's illness, carried out in a sensitive manner and include information on:

the possible symptoms and signs of respiratory impairment (see box 1)

the purpose, nature and timing of respiratory function tests, and explanations of the test results

how non‑invasive ventilation (as a treatment option) can improve symptoms associated with respiratory impairment and can be life prolonging, but does not stop progression of the underlying disease. [2010, amended 2016]

When discussing non‑invasive ventilation, explain the different ways that people can manage their breathlessness symptoms. This should include:

non-invasive ventilation, and its advantages and disadvantages

using non-invasive ventilation at different points in the course of the person's lifetime

the possibility of the person becoming dependent on non‑invasive ventilation

options for treating any infections

support and information on how to recognise and cope with a distressing situation

the role of medication for breathing problems

psychological techniques and support. [new 2016]

Check that the person thinking about non‑invasive ventilation:

understands what non‑invasive ventilation is and what it can achieve

recognises the need for regular review

has enough information about non‑invasive ventilation and other options for breathing problems to make decisions about how and when to use it.

understands possible problems with compatibility with other equipment, for example, eye gaze access systems. [new 2016]

Explain that non-invasive ventilation can be stopped at any time. Reassure people that they can ask for help and advice if they need it, especially if they are dependent on non‑invasive ventilation for 24 hours a day, or become distressed when attempting to stop it. Inform people that medicines can be used to alleviate symptoms (see recommendation 1.14.29). [new 2016]

Ensure that families and carers:

have an initial assessment if the person they care for decides to use non‑invasive ventilation, which should include:
- their ability and willingness to assist in providing non‑invasive ventilation
- their training needs

have the opportunity to discuss any concerns they may have with members of the multidisciplinary team, the respiratory ventilation service and/or other healthcare professionals. [2010]

Identification and assessment of respiratory impairment

Symptoms and signs

Monitor the symptoms and signs listed in box 1 to detect potential respiratory impairment. [2010, amended 2016]

Box 1 Symptoms and signs of potential respiratory impairment

Respiratory function tests

As part of the initial assessment to diagnose MND, or soon after diagnosis, a healthcare professional from the multidisciplinary team who has appropriate competencies should perform the following tests (or arrange for them to be performed) to establish the person's baseline respiratory function:

oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO₂):

this should be a single measurement of SpO₂ with the person at rest and breathing room air

if it is not possible to perform pulse oximetry locally, refer the person to a respiratory ventilation service.Then one or both of the following:

forced vital capacity (FVC) or vital capacity (VC)^[4]

sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) and/or maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). [2010]

If the person has severe bulbar impairment or severe cognitive problems that may be related to respiratory impairment:

ensure that SpO₂ is measured (at rest and breathing room air)

do not perform the other respiratory function tests (FVC, VC, SNIP and MIP) if interfaces are not suitable for the person. [2010]

A healthcare professional with appropriate competencies should perform the respiratory function tests every 2–3 months, although tests may be performed more or less often depending on:

whether there are any symptoms and signs of respiratory impairment (see box 1)

the rate of progression of MND

the person's preference and circumstances. [2010, amended 2016]

Perform arterial or capillary blood gas analysis if the person's SpO₂ (measured at rest and breathing room air):

is less than or equal to 92% if they have known lung disease

is less than or equal to 94% if they do not have lung disease.If it is not possible to perform arterial or capillary blood gas analysis locally, refer the person to a respiratory ventilation service. [2010]

If the person's SpO₂ (measured at rest and breathing room air) is greater than 94%, or 92% for those with lung disease, but they have sleep‑related respiratory symptoms:

consider referring them to a respiratory ventilation service for continuous nocturnal (overnight) oximetry and/or a limited sleep study and

discuss both the impact of respiratory impairment and treatment options with the patient and (if the person agrees) their family and carers. [2010]

If the person's arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) is greater than 6 kPa:

refer them urgently to a respiratory ventilation service (to be seen within 1 week) and

explain the reasons for and implications of the urgent referral to the person and (if the person agrees) their family and carers. [2010]

If the person's PaCO₂ is less than or equal to 6 kPa but they have any symptoms or signs of respiratory impairment, particularly orthopnoea (see recommendation 1.14.15):

refer them to a respiratory ventilation service for nocturnal (overnight) oximetry and/or a limited sleep study and

discuss both the impact of respiratory impairment and treatment options with the person and (if the person agrees) their family and/or carers (as appropriate). [2010]

If any of the results listed in box 2 is obtained, discuss with the person and (if appropriate) their family and carers:

their respiratory impairment

their treatment options

possible referral to a respiratory ventilation service for further assessment based on discussion with the person, and their wishes. [2010, amended 2016]

Box 2 Results of respiratory function tests

People with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia

Base decisions on respiratory function tests for a person with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia on considerations specific to their needs and circumstances, such as:

their ability to give consent^[3]

their understanding of the tests

their tolerance of the tests and willingness to undertake them

the impact on their family and carers

whether they are capable of receiving non‑invasive ventilation. [2010, amended 2016]

Non-invasive ventilation for treatment of respiratory impairment in people with MND

Offer a trial of non-invasive ventilation if the person's symptoms and signs and the results of the respiratory function tests indicate that the person is likely to benefit from the treatment. [2010, amended 2016]

Consider a trial of non‑invasive ventilation for a person who has severe bulbar impairment or severe cognitive problems that may be related to respiratory impairment only if they may benefit from an improvement in sleep‑related symptoms or correction of hypoventilation. [2010, amended 2016]

Before starting non-invasive ventilation, the multidisciplinary team together with the respiratory ventilation service should carry out and coordinate a patient‑centred risk assessment, after discussion with the person and their family and carers. This should consider:

the most appropriate type of non‑invasive ventilator and interfaces, based on the person's needs and lifestyle factors and safety

the person's tolerance of the treatment

the risk, and possible consequences, of ventilator failure

the power supply required, including battery back‑up

how easily the person can get to hospital

risks associated with travelling away from home (especially abroad)

whether a humidifier is required

issues relating to secretion management

the availability of carers. [2010]

Before starting non-invasive ventilation, the multidisciplinary team together with the respiratory ventilation service should prepare a comprehensive care plan, after discussion with the person and their family and carers (who should be offered a copy of the plan). This should cover:

long-term support provided by the multidisciplinary team

the initial frequency of respiratory function tests and monitoring of respiratory impairment

the frequency of clinical reviews of symptomatic and physiological changes

the provision of carers

arrangements for device maintenance and 24‑hour emergency clinical and technical support

secretion management and respiratory physiotherapy assessment, including cough augmentation (if required)

training in and support for the use of non-invasive ventilation for the person and their family and carers

regular opportunities to discuss the person's wishes in relation to continuing or withdrawing non‑invasive ventilation. [2010, amended 2016]

When starting non‑invasive ventilation:

perform initial acclimatisation during the day when the person is awake

usually start regular treatment at night, before and during sleep

gradually build up the person's hours of use as necessary. [2010]

Continue non-invasive ventilation if the clinical reviews show:

symptomatic and/or physiological improvements for a person without severe bulbar impairment and without severe cognitive problems

an improvement in sleep‑related symptoms for a person with severe bulbar impairment or with severe cognitive problems that may be related to respiratory impairment. [2010]

Provide the person and their family and/or carers (as appropriate) with support and assistance to manage non‑invasive ventilation. This should include:

training on using non‑invasive ventilation and ventilator interfaces, for example:
- emergency procedures
- night-time assistance if the person is unable to use the equipment independently (for example, emergency removal or replacement of interfaces)
- how to use the equipment with a wheelchair or other mobility aids if required
- what to do if the equipment fails

assistance with secretion management

information on general palliative strategies

an offer of ongoing emotional and psychological support for the person and their family and carers. [2010, amended 2016]

Discuss all decisions to continue or withdraw non‑invasive ventilation with the person and (if the person agrees) their family and carers. [2010]

Before a decision is made on the use of non‑invasive ventilation for a person with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, the multidisciplinary team together with the respiratory ventilation service should carry out an assessment that includes:

the person's capacity to make decisions and to give consent^[3]

the severity of dementia and cognitive problems

whether the person is likely to accept treatment

whether the person is likely to achieve improvements in sleep‑related symptoms and/or behavioural improvements

a discussion with the person's family and/or carers (with the person's consent if they have the capacity to give it). [2010, amended 2016]

Consider prescribing medicines to help ease breathlessness that people using non‑invasive ventilation can take on an 'as‑needed' basis at home, for example, opioids^[1] or benzodiazepines^[1]. [new 2016]

Inform services that may see the person in crisis situations, such as their GP and services that provide emergency or urgent care, that the person is using non‑invasive ventilation. [new 2016]

Stopping non-invasive ventilation

The healthcare professionals responsible for starting non‑invasive ventilation treatment in people with MND should ensure that support is available for other healthcare professionals who may be involved if there is a plan to stop non‑invasive ventilation, including the legal and ethical implications. [new 2016]

If a person on continuous non‑invasive ventilation wishes to stop treatment, ensure that they have support from healthcare professionals with knowledge and expertise of:

stopping non‑invasive ventilation

the ventilator machine

palliative medicines (see the NICE guideline on care of dying adults in the last days of life)

supporting the person, family members and/or carers (as appropriate)

supporting other healthcare professionals involved with the person's care

legal and ethical frameworks and responsibilities. [new 2016]

If a person on continuous non‑invasive ventilation wishes to stop treatment, seek advice from healthcare professionals who have knowledge and experience of stopping non‑invasive ventilation. [new 2016]

Healthcare professionals involved in stopping non‑invasive ventilation should have up‑to‑date knowledge of the law regarding the Mental Capacity Act, DNACPR, ADRT orders, and Lasting Power of Attorney. [new 2016]

For more details click on the link: www.nice.org.uk

Daytime SleepinessfatigueGabapentinisolatedMNDNICENICE 2019palliative carepsychologicalrespiratory symptomssocial careswallowing problemstizanidinetwitching

Disclaimer: This site is primarily intended for healthcare professionals. Any content/information on this website does not replace the advice of medical and/or health professionals and should not be construed as medical/diagnostic advice/endorsement or prescription. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use, privacy policy, advertisement policy. © 2020 Minerva Medical Treatment Pvt Ltd

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Kohli