Spinal anesthetic management for discectomy in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A case report

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a degenerative disorder of motor neuron system of the spinal cord and the cortical neuron. Patients with ALS present a unique challenge to the anesthesiologist. Respiratory muscle weakness, for instance, can result in trouble with proper breathing after general anesthesia. We report a case of spinal anesthesia for discectomy in a patient with ALS. © the Korean Society of Anesthesiologists, 2012.