Editors' Note: Clinical Guidance in Neuropalliative Care: An AAN Position Statement

Abstract

In “Clinical Guidance in Neuropalliative Care: An AAN Position Statement,” Taylor et al. provided guidance in neuropalliative care on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology. Pedrolli, a physician with expertise in clinical nutrition, noted disappointment that dysphagia was not addressed in this statement, given that the ability to swallow and, moreover, taste can affect the quality of life. Taylor et al. agreed that the quality of life may be worse in patients with dysphagia, particularly if tube feeding is needed, and that feeding by mouth is always preferable when safe. However, she noted that the purpose of this statement was to address ethical issues related to neuropalliative care, rather than management of the myriad symptoms patients with neurologic illnesses can develop. However, she reinforced that the management of these symptoms requires knowledge about both neurology and palliative care. In “Clinical Guidance in Neuropalliative Care: An AAN Position Statement,” Taylor et al. provided guidance in neuropalliative care on behalf of the American Academy of Neurology. Pedrolli, a physician with expertise in clinical nutrition, noted disappointment that dysphagia was not addressed in this statement, given that the ability to swallow and, moreover, taste can affect the quality of life. Taylor et al. agreed that the quality of life may be worse in patients with dysphagia, particularly if tube feeding is needed, and that feeding by mouth is always preferable when safe. However, she noted that the purpose of this statement was to address ethical issues related to neuropalliative care, rather than management of the myriad symptoms patients with neurologic illnesses can develop. However, she reinforced that the management of these symptoms requires knowledge about both neurology and palliative care.