If a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)is having difficulty speaking and is losing weight,it would be important to evaluate

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As ALS progresses,many affected patients have difficulty swallowing;difficulty speaking may be associated with loss of function of nerves in this area.It may be helpful to measure resting energy expenditure,but this would be secondary to evaluating their ability to swallow.The patient may have diminished appetite,but whether they should be encouraged to eat depends on whether they have dysphagia.Diarrhea and malabsorption do not usually occur in patients with ALS.

If a Patient with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)is Having Difficulty