Dietary Therapy in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Dietary Science
• Metabolic Medicine

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) is a phase of MS characterized by gradual worsening of neurological function.
• Current treatments for SPMS primarily focus on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.

Observation:

• A 60-year-old male diagnosed with MS experienced progressive lower limb weakness, spasticity, and urinary dysfunction.
• The patient was treated with a ketogenic diet (KD) as monotherapy, leading to significant improvements in mobility and bladder control.
• Discontinuation of the KD resulted in symptom exacerbation, while reintroduction led to functional recovery.

Findings:

• Ketogenic diet monotherapy demonstrated a notable reversal of disability and improvement in urinary symptoms in a patient with SPMS.
• The patient's stamina increased, enabling him to walk with assistance, and urinary continence was restored.
• This case suggests that KD may be an effective standalone therapy for managing SPMS, a finding not previously reported.

Implications:

• Dietary interventions, specifically the ketogenic diet, show promise as a therapeutic strategy for SPMS.
• Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of KD in managing progressive forms of MS.
• This case highlights the potential of non-pharmacological approaches in the comprehensive management of neurodegenerative conditions.