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.

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