The possibility of electrically stimulating the phrenic nerve or the diaphragm to prolong unassisted breathing caused a bit of a stir on the old Braintalk. Unfortunately all the discussions of it are now gone. I've heard little more for some time now so am delighted to see that Dr. Onders and Dr. Rosenfeld both will be presenting on the topic at the International ALS Symposium in a couple of weeks. I like their upbeat titles. We should hear the current state of the research.

http://www.mndassociation.org/resear...programme.html

Saturday 2 December:
12.00-12.15 Results of diaphragm pacing in ALS: decreasing the decline in respiratory failure and increasing diaphragm movement – RP Onders (USA)
12.15-12.30 Phrenic nerve pacing to improve respiratory function in patients with ALS – J Rosenfeld (USA)