Multiple Sclerosis

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Latest Edit: Hector 2014-05-13 (EDT)

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting neurologic function which can result in a variety of symptoms including: muscle weakness, fatigue, numbness, movement abnormalities, changes in vision, and depression.[1] MS most commonly affects individuals between 20 and 50 years of age, and occuring at a rate between 1-2.5:1000 it is the most common cause of neurologic disability in this age group. [2]

Multiple Sclerosis
Ms.jpg

Multiple Sclerosis
Causes Environmental Toxins, Smoking, Infections, Medical Interventions, Dietary Factors
See Also Neurological Conditions
Books Books on Neurological Conditions
Articles Articles on Neurological Conditions

Naturopathic Assessment

Causal Factors

In order to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal the causes of disease must be identified and addressed. In the case of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the causes are variable, with environmental factors playing a key role. A detailed assessment is required to determine which factors are contributing to disease development and progression.

Lifestyle

Article Horse-assisted Therapy Appears to Improve Balance in People With Multiple Sclerosis , 2010 December Natural Medicine [1]
  • There is growing evidence that increased consumption of animal fats, animal protein, and meat from non-marine animals increases the risk of MS.[3], [4]
  • MS may be associated with a disturbance in the Omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) metabolism. This disturbance of n-6 fatty acid metabolism may give rise to a loss of membrane long chain n-6 fatty acids and loss of the anti-inflammatory regulatory cytokine TGF-beta, particularly during the relapse phase, as well as loss of these important neural fatty acids for CNS structure and function and consequent long term neurological deficit.[5]

Social

  • There is some evidence that stress may contribute to development of new lesions in MS.[1]

Environmental

  • Geography
  • There is a correlation between increased incidence of MS and distance from the equator. Factors implicated in this relationship include genetic predisposition by population group, regional dietary factors, and vitamin D levels. [2]
  • Areas of lower temperatures and precipitation are associated with increased occurrence.[3]
  • Infectious pathogen has long been considered central to the disease process of MS. A variety of infectious agents have been evaluated with herpes virus 6, chlamydia pneumoniae, and Epstein-Barr virus being the pathogens receiving the most attention.[2], [6]
  • A parasitic infection may actually be correlated with a reduced number of exacerbations and altered immune reactivity in multiple sclerosis (MS).[7] Because helminths (parasites) are powerful modulators of host immunity, some authors hypothesize that reduced parasite exposure due to improved hygiene conditions may favor MS development.[8]
Article Sex Hormone Treatments for Multiple SclerosisJ Orthomolecular Med 2012;Vol27(2)

Medical Interventions

  • Medical Procedures
  • Although controversial, a link between use of mercury fillings and MS has been identified in some studies.[9]
  • There is some evidence that immunity to tetanus is protective against MS,[10] yet the hepatitis B vaccination may actually induce demyelinating disease and increase the risk of MS.[11]
  • Adjuvants, found in vaccines, are strong immunostimulants and may be harmful for those with multiple sclerosis.[12]

Genetics

  • Race
  • Race plays a significant role in determining MS risk. Individuals of Caucasian and African descent have higher risk factors than those of Asian descent.
  • Having a sibling or parent with MS increases risk five to ten times. It is estimated that there are 10-15 individual genes influencing risk of acquiring MS.[1]

Diagnostic Testing

Multiple Sclerosis is diagnosed through neurologic examination and various special tests including:[1] [2]

  • Head CT or MRI to identify the presence of demyelination.
  • Eclectrophysiologic tests refered to as evoked potentials are used to assess visual, auditory, and sensory pathways.
  • CSF testing for immunological changes.

Characteristics

Ms.jpg

The development of MS involves inflammation, injury of axons, and demyelination. Demyelination affects the ability of neurons to transmit impulses, and thus results in weakness, numbness, vision impairment, and movement difficulties. It is postulated that the processes leading to the development of MS is initiated by injury to the CNS via viral, bacterial, toxin mediated, or traumatic means. After the insult a physiological immune response occurs, and if this response malfunctions neuronal damage may occur.[2]

Multiple Sclerosis can be categorized into four groups:[2]

  1. Relapsing and remitting MS - refers to disease progression in which individuals experience acute flare ups of symptoms followed by remissions. This occurs in approximately 80% of cases.
  2. Secondary Progressive Phase MS - refers to more marked deterioration with less frequent acute attacks of symptoms. This usually occurs within 10 years of onset of disease, and occurs in 50-80% of individuals with relapsing and remitting MS.
  3. Primary Progressive MS- involves steady deterioration from onset of disease without relapses, and occurs in 10-15% of patients.
  4. Progressive Relapsing MS- occurs when patients experiencing primary progressive MS also have some relapses along with progressive deterioration. It occurs in 6% of patients with primary progressive MS.

Common Symptoms

Multiple sclerosis typically follows a remitting relapsing pattern. The symptoms for each individual are varied based on parts of the CNS that are affected including:[1]

Naturopathic Treatment

Article Multiple sclerosis: Integrative management strategies, IHP, [2], June/July 2010

The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. MS is a chronic disease and treatment needs to be long term, integrated, and individually designed to fit each person. It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.

Home Care

Home Care strategies include: Individuals with MS may require significant homecare based on disease progression. Issues with bowel and bladder incontinence are common, and home care strategies to address these issues are important to put in place.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle recommendations include:

Article Considering multiple sclerosis, psychoneuroimmunology, and mind-body medicine, Vital Link; 2008 Winter/Spring
  • Before implementing an exercise program for an individual with MS it is important to complete a physical assessment. Exercises designed to activate working muscles without overloading are recommended. Commonly used exercise prescriptions include:[2]
  • Aquatics. Water provides support for individuals with impaired balance problems and aids in movements they cannot complete out of water
  • Yoga, Qi Gong or similar exercises can improve balance, circulation, relaxation, flexibility, and reduce muscle tension.
  • Pilates movements generally focus on core muscles which are normally unaffected even in severe MS, and helps to emphasize coordinated deep breathing.

Naturopathic Therapies

The prescribing of naturopathic therapies requires the guidance of a naturopathic doctor as it depends on a number of factors including the causal factors, a person's age, prescription medications, other conditions and symptoms and overall health. It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor prior to taking any natural therapies.

Article Efficacy of Vitamin B3 and its related Coenzymes for the Treatment of Bell's Palsy, Huntington's Disease, Migrain and Chronic Tension-Type Headaches, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson Disease, and Tinnitus J Orthomolecular Med 2012;Vol27(2)

Naturopathic Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis include:

  • Resolve dampness, tonify the spleen and invigorate the connecting channels.
  • Tonify kidneys and liver and strengthen bones and tendons.
  • Physical Medicine. Research suggests that use of neuromuscular stimulation can assist in the reduction of muscle spasms, muscle pain, and disuse atrophy seen commonly in MS patients.[16]

Specialized Naturopathic Therapies

Specialized therapies that are used to treat MS include:

  • IV administration of Glutathione has been shown to be an effective antioxidant treatment, and due to the well-established role of oxidative damage in MS, glutathione is commonly used as treatment.[1]

References

Reviewed by Iva Lloyd, BScH, RPE, ND [3]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Pizzorno Joseph E, Murray Michael T (2006) Textbook of Natural Medicine 3rd ed Elsevier.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Rakel D (2007) Integrative Medicine 2nd ed. Saunders.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Lauer K, Firnhaber W (Aug 1992) Epidemiologic aspects of multiple sclerosis Versicherungsmedizin.;44(4):125-30. PMID: 1509645.
  4. Ben-Shlomo Y, Davey Smith G, Marmot MG (1992) Dietary fat in the epidemiology of multiple sclerosis: has the situation been adequately assessed? Neuroepidemiology.;11(4-6):214-25. PMID: 1291885.
  5. Harbige LS, Sharief MK (Oct 2007) Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the pathogenesis and treatment of multiple sclerosis. Br J Nutr.;98 Suppl 1:S46-53. PMID: 17922959
  6. Pawate S, Sriram S (Apr 2010) The role of infections in the pathogenesis and course of multiple sclerosis. Ann Indian Acad Neurol.;13(2):80-6. PMID: 20814489.
  7. Correale J, Farez MF (Apr 2011) The impact of parasite infections on the course of multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol.;233(1-2):6-11. PMID: 21277637.
  8. Correale J, Farez MF (Oct 2011) The impact of environmental infections (parasites) on MS activity. Mult Scler.;17(10):1162-9. PMID: 21980148
  9. Huggins HA, Levy TL. (1998) Cerebrospinal fluid changes in multiple sclerosis after dental amalgam removal. Alt Med Rev;3:295-300
  10. Verstraeten T et al. (2005) Immunity to tetanus is protective against the development of multiple sclerosis. Med Hypotheses;65:966-69
  11. Faure E. (2005) Multiple sclerosis and hepatitis B vaccination: Could minute contamination of the vaccine by partial hepatitis B virus polymerase play a role through molecular mimicry? Med Hypotheses;65;509-520
  12. Oztürk S (Jul 2010) Swine flu vaccine adjuvants and multiple sclerosis - Is there potential for harmful effect? Med Hypotheses.;75(1):50-2. PMID: 20171793.
  13. Prousky Jonathan (2008) Principles and Practices of Naturopathic Clinical Nutrition CCNM Press.
  14. Hershoff Asa (2000) Homeopathic Remedies, A Quick and Easy Guide to Common Disorders and their Homeopathic Treatments, Avery Publishing Group, New York
  15. Maciocia G (1994) The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Churchill Livingstone
  16. Wahls et al. (2010) Rehabilitation with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Leads to Functional Gains in Ambulation in Patients with Secondary Progressive and Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series Report. Alt Comp Med;16(12);1343-49.