Positive Health Online

Abstract

WHITMARSH, Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 9UY, Scotland, UK, tom.whitmarsh@virgin.net has reviewed (9 references) homeopathy in multiple sclerosis. Abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the Central Nervous System. No definitive treatment exists to halt the almost inevitable decline in function and accumulation of disability over the years in sufferers. Management is largely of symptoms which arise variably in the course of the illness. Problems such as urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, cramps and spasms, tremor and trigeminal neuralgia can often be helped to some extent by conventional therapies. There are some commonly reported symptoms such as fatigue or emotional lability for which there are no generally accepted conventional treatments. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is often used by MS sufferers, and some studies in this area are summarized. It is interesting to reflect on what this CAM use says about what MS sufferers really need from their carers. Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital has about 100 admissions a year of MS sufferers and aims at an integrated response to their distress. A homeopathic approach is of particular benefit in MS. By its nature, it is a whole-person approach and takes account of the minutiae of the sufferer's life. This is discussed, and some examples of treatment for commonly encountered symptoms are given.

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References

Whitmarsh TE. Homeopathy in multiple sclerosis. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery 9 (1): 5-9, Feb 2003.

Comment

It is interesting to note that homeopathy is the most commonly used form of complementary medicine in Norway. It is also fascinating to read about research regarding the application of homeopathy both the emergency medicine treatment in Israel and to Multiple Sclerosis in Scotland.