Neuropalliative Care
Our team uses a comprehensive, whole-person approach that addresses not only a person's medical issues but also their emotional, spiritual and social needs.
Neuropalliative care is a medical specialty that aims to improve the quality of life for patients and families facing serious, life-limiting neurological illnesses.
Neuropalliative care is available to patients and families at any stage of their disease. It is not limited to end-of-life care.
Who May Benefit from Neuropalliative Care?
Patients who have been diagnosed with these neurological conditions may benefit from neuropalliative care:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Parkinson's disease
- Dementia
- Brain tumors
- Huntington's disease
- Duchenne's muscular dystrophy
Neuropalliative care is part of UC San Diego Health's Palliative Care Program. Our services include:
- Help with managing symptoms of neurological conditions
- Advance care planning, including making medical plans for the future or completing advance care directives
- Emotional, spiritual or social support for patients, family and caregivers
- Help with managing transitions in care, including referrals to hospice services when appropriate
We work alongside your other physicians to help create a plan that supports you and your family as you continue to receive treatment. Please ask your neurologist or primary care physician for a referral to palliative care. We encourage you to begin these services early in your care.