Nutrition et maladies neuromusculaires

Motorneurone diseases are caused by various alterations of motor unit. The most frequent associated nutritional trouble is malnutrition, but obesity can also occur. The aim of nutritional care, when possible integrated in a multidisciplinary team, is at least to maintain an optimal quality of life, and often to improve or permit the patient survival. Evaluation uses simple tools: dietetic investigation, measurement of weight and weight variation, calculation of body mass index. The first proposals are dietetic advices, adaptation of surroundings, and treatments of facial and dental dysmorphias, digestive diseases, salivary and psychological troubles. When these cares are insufficient, enteral nutrition is used, often through a gastrostomy tube. To debate with the patients and his close relations and to give informations are needed during all the follow-up.