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A Palliative Approach to Neurological Care: A Literature Review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2014

Teneille E. Gofton ,
Mandar S. Jog  and
Valerie Schulz
Teneille E. Gofton*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
Mandar S. Jog
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
Valerie Schulz
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada Department of Anesthesia, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
*
University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, 339 Windemere Road, London, Ontario, N6A 5A5, Canada
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Abstract

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This review assesses the current opinion towards early palliative care in neurology and discusses the existing evidence base. A comprehensive literature search resulted in 714 publications with 53 being directly relevant to the scope of this review. The current literature reflects primarily expert opinion and describes a growing interest in the early introduction of palliative principles into neurological care. Early initiation of palliative interventions has the potential to improve quality of life, enhance symptom management and assist in advance care planning. Further data is required to determine whether this shift in philosophy has a positive impact on patient care.

Type
Review Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 36 , Issue 3 , May 2009 , pp. 296 - 302
Copyright
Copyright © The Canadian Journal of Neurological 2009

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