alternative medicine and MS

[Guest guest]

Interesting study, pl. see the nineth conclusion. " A higher EDSS

score was observed in complementary medicine users " . This reflects

the EFA rich snake oil being passed around or alternatively stated

the problem for the neuros is to seperate the wheat from the chaff.

Title

Why physicians need to look more closely at the use of complementary

and alternative medicine by multiple sclerosis patients.

Source

European Journal of Neurology. 11(4):263-7, 2004 Apr.

Abstract

With the aim of contributing to the knowledge of attitudes, patterns

and motivations for the use of complementary and alternative

medicine (CAM) for multiple sclerosis (MS), 109 MS outpatients, or

their close relative in cases of mental status impairment, were

interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The main results

are: (i). 35.7% used at least one CAM at least once; (ii).

homeopathy and diets were the most common; (iii). 39.4% showed a

positive attitude towards CAM; (iv). a perceived benefit was

recorded in 61.5% of cases; (v). the referral source was a physician

in only 12.8% of cases; (vi). caring neurologist was not consulted

in 82% and generalist was not consulted in 67% of cases; (vii). of

61 CAM interventions, 21 were expected to be disease-modifying and

40 symptomatic; (viii). CAM negatively influenced compliance with

conventional medical management in very few cases (2/39); (ix). a

higher expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was observed in CAM

users; and (x). in those who used CAM during last 3 years (21.1%),

the approximate mean cost per year per person was 483 euro. In

Italy, the use of CAM in MS is widespread but costly. This study has

provided further baseline data on which to assess trends in CAM use

and has highlighted issues for patients and conventional doctors

about the use of CAM to deal with health problems. More research

into the implications of concurrent use of CAM with conventional

medicine on public health care is required.