Options for mechanical ventilation in neuromuscular diseases.

A variety of mechanical devices may be used to provide assistance when ventilation and cough are severely impaired by progressive respiratory weakness caused by neuromuscular disease. Traditionally, positive pressure ventilation via a tracheostomy has been used, but if upper airway function is adequate, a variety of noninvasive devices also may be considered. Although positive pressure ventilation is the preferred noninvasive mode for assisting ventilation, other modes may be selected depending on patient needs, preferences, and physical characteristics.