Complementary and alternative treatments in multiple sclerosis

Vijayshree Yadav, Lynne Shinto, Dennis N. Bourdette

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction Despite recent therapeutic advances, multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a chronic disabling disease with no cure. National surveys have demonstrated the widespread use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among the general population in the United States, and that individuals with a variety of chronic illnesses are more likely to use CAM than the general population., Several surveys have demonstrated that individuals with MS often explore CAM treatment options.– Neurologists have long recognized that many individuals with MS use alternative therapies but generally have taken little interest in these therapies. Individuals with MS and neurologists frequently adopt a “don't ask, don't tell” policy regarding alternative therapies. Neurologists are sometimes very negative about patient use of alternative therapies primarily for two reasons: first, they cite the lack of scientific evidence establishing efficacy for various CAM therapies; second, they focus on highly publicized therapies that are expensive, seemingly bizarre or even dangerous, such as replacement of amalgam dental fillings, magnet therapy, and bees stings, as being representative of CAM therapies and want to protect their patients from pointless expenses and risks. However, these negative attitudes are not well founded. First, despite individuals with MS reporting benefit from some alternative therapies, there has been a paucity of scientifically valid research on CAM therapies for MS. The lack of scientific evidence on efficacy does not mean that there is no benefit; we simply do not have the data to allow us to determine what works and what does not. Second, most individuals with MS who use CAM therapies tend to use affordable and low-risk treatments, such as diet therapies, nutritional supplements, herbal therapies, and mind–body therapies, such as yoga and prayer.– While there certainly are individuals with MS who make poor decisions regarding CAM use, in general, individuals with MS who use CAM seem to be sensible in their approach. Rather than ignoring the issue or adopting a universally negative attitude about CAM, neurologists should be better informed about CAM use so that they can serve as a resource for these individuals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMultiple Sclerosis Therapeutics, Fourth Edition
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages562-573
Number of pages12
Volume9780521766272
ISBN (Electronic)9781139023986
ISBN (Print)9780521766272
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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