Telemedicine for management of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis through COVID-19 tail

Neurol Sci. 2021 Jan;42(1):9-13. doi: 10.1007/s10072-020-04783-x. Epub 2020 Oct 6.

Abstract

Over the last months, due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, containment measures have led to important social restriction. Healthcare systems have faced a complete rearrangement of resources and spaces, with the creation of wards devoted to COVID-19 patients. In this context, patients affected by chronic neurological diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are at risk to be lost at follow-up, leading to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Telemedicine may allow meet the needs of these patients. In this commentary, we briefly discuss the digital tools to remotely monitor and manage ALS patients. Focusing on detecting disease progression and preventing life-threatening conditions, we propose a toolset able to improve ALS management during this unprecedented situation.

Keywords: ALS patients; COVID-19; Remote monitoring; Tele-health; Telemedicine; Teleneurology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / therapy*
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory*
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Telemedicine*