Are there other treatment options?

Depending on your needs and goals, your ALS care team may recommend other treatment options.

Invasive ventilation

Invasive ventilation is a different type of breathing support device. Depending on your situation, you may have the option to choose between NIV and invasive ventilation.

“Invasive” means that a doctor will do surgery to place a breathing tube inside your windpipe. This type of surgery is called a tracheostomy.

After surgery, you’ll need a caregiver with you at all times to help you take care of the breathing tube and the ventilator. Some people may ask a family member to help with their care. Family members will need special training to learn how to take care of your equipment.

Other people may choose to hire a professional caregiver. Some insurance plans may help cover the cost of a professional caregiver, but Medicare won’t pay for it.

Palliative or hospice care

Whether you choose to use a breathing support device or not, your care team may recommend palliative or hospice care. Both palliative and hospice care aim to keep you comfortable by easing your pain and helping you manage your ALS symptoms. But there’s one important difference:

• Palliative care can help you feel better at any stage of living with ALS. You can get palliative care and pursue other treatment options at the same time.
• Hospice care is for people who have chosen not to pursue treatment for ALS. Your care team may recommend hospice care to help you stay comfortable near the end of life.

Talk to your ALS care team to figure out the right treatment plan for you.