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Alternative methods of treatment used by multiple sclerosis patients in Poland

Waldemar Fryze1, Dagmara Mirowska-Guzel, Małgorzata Wiszniewska

  • 12nd Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland.

Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska
|November 15, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Many multiple sclerosis patients in Poland use alternative therapies alongside conventional treatments. This widespread use of alternative medicine may stem from limited access to or efficacy of standard immunomodulatory drugs.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Complementary Medicine

Background:

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment remains challenging, with many patients seeking alternative methods (AM).
  • The global trend of AM use is increasingly observed in chronic disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and patterns of alternative medicine use among the Polish multiple sclerosis population.
  • To understand patient motivations for seeking alternative therapies.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 210 multiple sclerosis patients across three Polish hospitals.
  • Data collection focused on current and past use of alternative therapies.

Main Results:

  • 68.5% of surveyed MS patients reported using AM, either currently or previously.
  • Oenothera seed oil (56%), vitamins (49%), and massage (34%) were the most frequently utilized AM.
  • No significant differences in AM use were found based on demographics, disease duration, or disability level.

Conclusions:

  • The adoption of AM by MS patients in Poland is substantial.
  • Limited access to and long-term efficacy of immunomodulators may drive patients towards alternative therapies.

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