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Complementary and alternative medicine: is there a role in multiple sclerosis?
Vijayshree Yadav1, Dennis Bourdette
1Department of Neurology L226, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA. yadavv@ohsu.edu
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|April 26, 2006
Summary
Many individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Research is exploring the benefits of dietary changes, supplements, and mind-body practices like yoga and cannabis for MS symptom management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects individuals despite conventional treatments.
- Patients frequently seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for symptom relief.
- Common CAM approaches include diet, supplements, and mind-body therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research on CAM therapies for multiple sclerosis.
- To highlight areas of growing interest, such as dietary interventions and specific CAM modalities.
- To underscore the need for further investigation into CAM's role in MS management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on CAM therapies in multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of research on dietary modifications, nutritional and herbal supplements.
- Examination of evidence for mind-body therapies, including cannabis and yoga.
Main Results:
- Dietary modification and essential fatty acid supplementation show renewed research interest.
- The effectiveness of specific vitamin supplements in MS is not yet clear.
- Emerging evidence suggests potential benefits from cannabis and yoga in controlled studies.
Conclusions:
- CAM therapies are widely explored by people with MS.
- Research on CAM for MS is still in preliminary stages.
- Further rigorous research is warranted due to patient interest and common usage.