brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Overview of the Peripheral Nervous System
Treatment
Treatment of the cause when possible Symptom relief Possibly physical, occupational, and speech and language therapy If a disorder is causing symptoms, it is treated if possible. Otherwise, doctors focus on relieving symptoms. Care provided by a team of several types of health care practitioners (a multidisciplinary team) can help people cope with progressive disability. The team may include Physical therapists to help people continue to use their muscles Occupational therapists to recommend assistive devices that can help people do their daily activities (such as devices to help with walking) Speech and language therapists to help people communicate Specialists to help with specific problems, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing If a peripheral nerve disorder reduces lifespan, the person, family members, and caregivers must talk frankly with health care practitioners about health care decisions in case the person becomes unable to make health care decisions. The best approach is to prepare a legal document that states the person’s wishes about health care decisions (called Advance Directives ) in case the person becomes unable to make health care decisions. 