ABSTRACT
Critically ill neurological patients often need ventilatory assistance. After acute
central nervous system insults, the inability to protect the airway and impaired central
respiratory drive can only be managed with endotracheal intubation and mechanical
ventilation. In patients with acute or worsening neuromuscular disorders, diaphragmatic
failure and pronounced bulbar weakness may necessitate intubation to assist in the
work of breathing or to prevent upper airway obstruction. Simple respiratory function
tests performed at the bedside should be used to monitor patients with progressive
neuromuscular respiratory insufficiency. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
plays an important role in the management of respiratory failure in patients with
neuromuscular respiratory failure, and its indications may be expanded in the future.
KEYWORDS
Respiratory failure - neuromuscular - ventilation - stroke