Riluzole Use in Patients with Bulbar Dysfunction due to ALS

Special Considerations for Bulbar Dysfunction

• Patients with bulbar dysfunction may experience difficulty swallowing medication, so proper administration techniques should be considered, and regular monitoring for dysphagia progression is essential, as nearly all ALS patients eventually develop bulbar involvement 1
• Nutritional status should be closely monitored in ALS patients with bulbar dysfunction, as weight loss is detrimental to survival 1
• Screening for malnutrition (BMI, weight loss) is recommended at diagnosis and during follow-up every 3 months 1