Palliative care in neurology

Palliative care is a very important part of the care for people with neurological disease, and their families. This may be appropriate in any patient group, but is particularly helpful for patients with progressive neurological disease and when the disease is progressing towards the end of life. A multidisciplinary approach allows the assessment and management of the various issues facing patients – physical, such as symptom management, psychological, social and spiritual. In this way the quality of life of patients can be maintained and preparations made for the end of life, so that they are able to have their symptoms managed effectively and die peacefully.