Are you Considering Complementary & Alternative Medicine Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis?

[Dr Alain L Fymat]

Are you Considering Complementary & Alternative Medicine Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis?

Like other diseases, multiple sclerosis (MS) fits within the framework of my presentation titled "Contributors to Sickness: Epigenetic Modulators of Several Gene Expressions". MS is an inflammation produced by infectious external agents. Although its cause is unknown, MS concerns mutants in Chromosome 6, and results from the interaction between the body's genetic predisposition and the environment. It is not a hereditary disease. No cure has so far been found notwithstanding research conducted for the past ~ 150 years since the description of MS by the French physician Charcot. Nonetheless, MS continues to be a field of active research and several medications
(either single or multiply combined) are under current investigation.

Lack of satisfaction with this state of affairs, the limited efficacy of current medications, and the severe side effects associated with some prescribed medications and treatments, many MS patients do indeed have recourse to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments. However, such CAM treatments are only of a palliative (not curative) nature. Further, they have not been scientifically proven and thus are not evidence-based.

Environmental factors identified so far include:
(a) Microbes: not confirmed, and very unlikely in cold climates;
(b) Viruses: Shown for various viruses;
(c) Smoking: Shown (even though perhaps surprising);
(d) Stress: Weak evidence;
(e) Toxicants (toxins, mainly solvents): No evidence;
(f) Vaccinations: No evidence;
(g) Diet: Sparse and unpersuasive evidence;
(h) Hormone intake: Sparse and unpersuasive evidence;
(i) Decreased sunlight exposure (and therefore decreased vitamin D production): Some evidence;

Of the above, (b), (c), perhaps (d), (g), (h) and (i) may be acted upon.

(Note: Please note that metabolically produced uric acid at sufficiently high levels seem to have a protective effect. Caution however: Such uric acid levels can precipitate a different inflammation: arthritic gout.)

On the other hand, CAM treatments tried so far are:
(1) Dietary supplementation and regimen;
(2) Vitamin D supplementation or greater exposure to direct sunlight (an issue in cold climates because of low insolation levels);
(3) Relaxation techniques;
(4) Herbal and mineral supplementation including medical cannabis;
(5) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy;
(6) Self-infection with hookworms;
(7) Reflexology;
(8) Acupuncture;
(10) Exercise;
(11) Linoleic acid therapy;
(12) Magnetic field therapy; and
(13) Massage.

Whereas I personally doubt the efficacy of these so-called "treatments", I can accept that they may treat fatigue and stress, which are their only claims. Nonetheless, I remain open minded and wish they could provide more. For those interested in this subject, the following reference is provided:
"A Review of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by People with Multiple Sclerosis" by S.A. Olsen in Occup. Ther. Int.16(1): 57–70; 2009.