samedi 3 mai 2008

Doctors to reassess antibiotics for 'chronic Lyme' disease

Dave Collins
Associated Press
Fri, 02 May 2008 18:52 EDT


HARTFORD, Conn. - Patients who believe they suffer long-term problems from Lyme disease are claiming victory over a national doctors group. The Infectious Diseases Society of America has agreed to review its guidelines, which say there's no evidence long-term antibiotics can cure "chronic Lyme" disease - or even that such a condition exists.

The agreement settles an unprecedented antitrust investigation by Connecticut's attorney general over the matter. The doctors group makes clear that current guidance for treating Lyme disease remains in place.

But that didn't stop claims of success by the attorney general and people who believe they suffer long-term effects of the tick-borne disease.

borne : gardé(e) à l'esprit [loc adj] / gardé; être ~ à l'esprit

"It's a great victory for patients," said Pat Smith, president of the Lyme Disease Association, a national nonprofit group based in New Jersey. "It's time that Lyme patients got the respect they deserve."

The agreement, announced Thursday, calls for the doctors group to form a new panel of experts to review standards for treating Lyme disease. The Infectious Diseases Society says it agreed to the deal in part because the panel must be made up of doctors and scientists.

Lyme disease can be hard to diagnose with its vague, flu-like symptoms; the most obvious sign is its trademark round red rash. Usually, it's easily cured with a few weeks of antibiotics. Those not promptly treated can develop arthritis, meningitis and other serious illnesses.

rash : hâtif, impulsif, irréfléchi / risque-tout {m inv}, casse-cou {m inv} / grand nombre de / risque-tout {f inv}, casse-cou {f inv} / tranche de lard / imprudemment [adv] / témérité

About 20,000 new cases of Lyme disease are reported every year, but experts believe the annual total may be five times higher.

Connecticut leads the nation in reported cases and has been a battleground in the national debate over treatment. Lyme disease is named after the Connecticut town of Lyme, where the illness was first discovered in 1975. And the state is home to a number of people who claim they suffer long-term problems from Lyme disease - problems that many doctors are unable to confirm or treat.

battleground : champ {m} de bataille [MIL]

The Infectious Diseases Society says it's never been proven whether these patients still have Lyme disease or something else. The group continues to defend its standards, which say short-term antibiotics are effective for nearly all patients. Long-term antibiotics are unproven and potentially dangerous, because overuse of the drugs can lead to drug-resistant infections, the society says.

lead : guider, mener, plomb, fil conducteur / mener, régler, conduire, guider / plomb {m} [CHIM] / vivre en collectivité / dérouter / emmener / faire entrer dans / emmener (arrestation) / minium / crayon noir
overuse : faire abus de

"We are confident that our guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease represent the best advice that medicine currently has to offer ... and we look forward to the opportunity to put to rest any questions about them," said Dr. Donald Poretz, the society's president.

The society will consider a variety of scientific evidence and determine whether the 2006 guidelines are justified or need revision.

The guidelines are important because they discourage adequate treatment, advocates of chronic Lyme sufferers say. Perhaps just as significant is that insurance companies refuse to pay for long-term antibiotics to treat chronic Lyme.

advocates : advocate : plaider [v tr] en faveur de / préconiser [v tr], prôner [v tr] / avocat {m} [JUR], avocate {f} [JUR], défenseur / avocat {f} [défenseur], avocate {f} [défenseuse] / avocat; se faire l'~ du diable
refuse : refuser, rejeter / ordures {fpl}, détritus {mpl}, immondices {mpl} / déchets {mpl} / éboueur {m} / décharge {f} publique / refuser net / se refuser à

"We are delighted with this settlement," said Diane Blanchard of Greenwich, who said she was sick with Lyme disease for 10 years before a long-term antibiotic treatment relieved her symptoms in the late 1990s.

"The IDSA guidelines are now clouded by this decision. My greatest hope is that patients will regain their right to treatment," said Blanchard, now co-president of the advocacy group Time for Lyme.

advocacy : plaidoyer

Philadelphia-based health insurer Cigna Corp. said it is reviewing the agreement to see if any changes in policies are needed. Cigna covers up to 28 days of intravenous antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease and, like many insurers, cites the Infectious Diseases Society's guidelines in its coverage plan.

insurer : assureur

Cigna does not pay for "repeated or prolonged" courses of antibiotics, saying they are "experimental, investigational or unproven."

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and advocates say the agreement is the first time the medical establishment has bowed to the pressure of a potential court fight and agreed to re-evaluate care standards.

advocates : advocate : plaider [v tr] en faveur de / préconiser [v tr], prôner [v tr] / avocat {m} [JUR], avocate {f} [JUR], défenseur / avocat {f} [défenseur], avocate {f} [défenseuse] / avocat; se faire l'~ du diable
bowed : bow : incliner; s'~ [v pr], révérence; faire une ~ / révérence {f} / arc {m} / archet {m} [MUS] / proue {f} [MAR] / nœud {m} [ornement] / nœud {m} papillon / se soumettre à / boyau {m} / transit {m} intestinal [PHYSIO]

"My main goal all along has been a process that is fair, open and free of conflicts of interest," Blumenthal said.

Blumenthal said his investigation found that some of the 14 experts who approved the 2006 guidelines got consulting fees, research grants and stock ownership from drug companies and other businesses that have a stake in the treatment and diagnosis of Lyme disease.

fees : honoraires
stake : poteau, enjeu, pieu / tuteurer [v tr] / miser [v tr], jeu; mettre en ~ / jouer sur / établir son droit à / jalonner / risquer le tout pour le tout / jouer [v tr] son va-tout / intérêts; avoir des ~ dans / parties prenantes

He would not name the panel members or the companies. He said the backgrounds of the new experts looking at the guidelines will be checked for any potential conflicts.

The issue involves antitrust law, Blumenthal said, because the panel excluded some opinions and evidence that may have supported other treatments in development, including vaccines.

Blumenthal's office did not take a position on the proper treatment of the disease or whether chronic Lyme disease exists.

proper : convenable [adj] / correct(e) [adj‚ respectable] / nom {m} propre / proprement [adv], convenablement [adv] / fonds, bien, propriété / accessoire (THÉÂ) / promoteur (immobilier) / accessoiriste / marché immobilier / bureau des objets trouvés

The Infectious Diseases Society denied any conflict of interest.

"Panel members do not stand to profit from any recommendation in the guidelines," the group said in statement. "In fact, the panel members denied themselves and their colleagues an opportunity to generate a significant amount of revenue when they recommended against expensive, repeated, long-term antibiotic therapy."

Ou passer un IRM ou un Scanner ?

Vous allez passer un Scanner ou un IRM ?

Lors de l'examen ou au téléphone, renseignez-vous sur l'appareil utilisé et aidez les autres à choisir un centre de radiologie :

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=p28E-VYGDZXi384XJ1V8jTw

Résultats ici :
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p28E-VYGDZXi384XJ1V8jTw

vendredi 2 mai 2008

Bien dormir avec le Feng Shui

Une chambre Feng Shui ou harmonieuse, consiste à laisser librement circuler l’énergie (le Qi ou Chi) dans la pièce. Quelques règles simples permettent de rendre ce lieu bénéfique pour la santé.
Tout d’abord, une aération quotidienne de la chambre permet le renouvellement de l’air et de l’énergie. Ensuite, en dégageant le tour du lit, vous permettez le libre mouvement du Qi et des habitants (flèches rouges). Seule la tête de lit doit être contre le mur et pas sous une fenêtre. Autrement, avec les courants d'air, c'est votre sommeil qui deviendra de plus en plus instable.Chambre_fengshui
Ne rien stocker sous le lit car la stagnation des énergies perturbe non seulement le sommeil mais aussi les relations de couple. Cet espace doit être ouvert, et ne doit pas servir de débarras.
Les tables de chevet ne doivent pas dépasser la hauteur du lit car les angles de celles-ci (flèches bleues) viendraient perturber les dormeurs et provoquer sur le long terme des problèmes de sommeil. Il en va de même pour la forme des lampes de chevet : des luminaires ronds évitent ces problèmes d’ondes de forme.
Afin de conserver l’intimité du lieu et surtout le calme qu’il nécessite pour garantir un sommeil récupérateur, ne pas y installer téléviseur, chaîne hi-fi, téléphones et couverture électriques. Préférez un radio réveil à piles, utilisez des couettes légères en supplément ainsi qu’une bouillotte et branchez les lampes sans passer les fils électriques sous le lit. Ces appareils dégagent des champs électromagnétiques dont la nocivité peut être grave sur le long terme.
Quand au lit électrique, régler la position avant le coucher et débranchez le. Votre confort est assuré par la qualité ergonomique du lit mais ne gâchez pas cet effet à cause des champs électromagnétiques perturbateurs.
Si malgré tout cela, vous n’arrivez pas à bien dormir, changez l’orientation du lit. Faites des essais sur 2 ou 3 nuits. C’est le meilleur moyen pour connaitre votre orientation idéale.

source : http://fengshuifacile.canalblog.com/archives/p4-4.html

Overview Of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

I. Physiological Considerations

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is defined as a degenerative disease of the pyramidal tract and lower motor neurons, characterized by motor weakness and the spastic condition of the limbs associated with muscular atrophy, fibrillary twitching, and final involvement of nuclei in the medulla. It is one of a group of diseases of the motor system of the body, the etiology of which is and continues to be a mystery from the medical standpoint.

The single case included in this file, a 33-year-old man, had symptoms consistent with this definition. His walk was slow and unsteady and he needed crutches. His muscles were twitching and one arm was beginning to atrophy.

In the readings, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is treated much in the same manner as multiple sclerosis, and the readings give a similar cause in both conditions.

Physiologically, it appears that some factor influences the body's ability to assimilate certain properties through the intestinal tract. In this reading these primary causes are not clarified. Apparently they have something to do with what Cayce in this instance calls karma. In any event, he pictures the lack of assimilation as creating a deficient of those substances in the bloodstream which will, when they are carried throughout the system, help to replenish and rebuild the nerve muscle forces which are affected. He sees a necessity for constant rebuilding or regenerating of the cells throughout the body. The nerve cells controlling muscular activity are no exception and he indicates that the lack is so small that it takes a long period of time for disease to manifest.

In the cases multiple sclerosis, the lack was gold. It seems reasonable to assume that here we are also dealing with a lack of gold assimilated in the normal manner through the intestinal tract through those areas that he often pointed out as being primary in these instances - the lacteals.
The primary deficiency apparently causes, then, a gradual deterioration of anterior horn cells, which then results in deficiency in nerve energies that creates the muscular atrophy. Perhaps this lack contributes to the already present inability of the assimilatory system, by hastening the progress of the disease. The readings described it in one place as a lack of stamina in the nerve and muscle forces of the extremities.

II. Rationale of Therapy

In discussing therapy from this single case, the rationale should be explored to some extent. Much information can be derived from the multiple sclerosis file since Cayce saw so much relationship between the two diseases.

Cayce suggested that, because the disease is of karmic origin, attitudes must be definitely decided upon by the individual - not merely assumed - as to the activities toward divine influences in the body. Where karmic influences are present, Cayce always suggested that attitudes must be definitely changed or no therapeutic results would be seen. He said, "The attitude to be taken should be not merely to be good but to be good for something. The expression of life is of the Divine. The Divine is that influence or force called God. Use same, do not abuse same." (5019-1)

Thus we would see the necessity of mental activity bringing about a change before the physical application of therapy is begun, and this particular portion must be emphasized in each case. One directing the therapy can often not properly assess any changes, but the individual who is ill will know within himself and must face the truth of the statement as seen here in the readings.
Primarily because of the deficiency of gold, the wet cell appliance is used to bring cleansing and healing forces to the body "by the radial activity of the low electrical forces." (5019-1) The gold, then, is given by mouth. It seems reasonable to assume, although not definitely stated in this reading, that gold should be introduced by means of the wet cell appliance in most cases (or perhaps it would have been suggested in a later reading for this particular case had he received a second reading). This would require the clinical appraisal of the condition by the attending physician, and after a two-month period, if there is not progressive improvement, the gold should replace the Atomidine and camphor through the appliance and the Atomidine might then be given by mouth.

In order to introduce at this point a better understanding of the disease process, a complete copy of reading 907-1 follows this commentary. This is on multiple sclerosis specifically but, as already mentioned, probably has a strong bearing on the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

III. Suggested Therapeutic Regimen

Therapy could be divided into five parts, as follows:

  1. First things first - mental attitudes
  2. Wet cell appliance
  3. Massage
  4. Gold taken orally
  5. Diet

In caring for one's attitudes, not enough can be said. Read Deuteronomy 30 and Exodus 19:5. Then apply these to your life and thinking. Cayce suggested these particularly in all those cases where the trouble was deep-set, and was often seen in association with karma and its physical consequences.

The wet cell with the regular charge was recommended. Two solution jars are to be used: one with Atomidine, one ounce; and distilled water, two ounces. The second contains three ounces of spirits of camphor. These should be alternated, the camphor being used with the attachment at the brachial axis or at the second-third dorsal area of the spine one day; and the Atomidine solution at the fourth lumbar area or the lumbar axis, as Cayce described it, the next day.
Massage should be done gently but thoroughly after the wet cell treatment for a period of 30 to 45 minutes. It should concentrate on the spinal areas but should start at the toes and proceed upward, including all extremities. The sciatic center, the lumbar axis, and the brachial center should be attended to especially, using a mixture of olive oil (two ounces), peanut oil (two ounces), and lanolin (1/4 ounce, melted).

Every third day, one drop of each of the following solutions should be added to 1/2 glass of water and taken immediately: gold chloride solution, one grain per ounce of distilled water; and bromide of soda solution, two grains per ounce of distilled water.

The diet should be low in carbohydrates, and there should be nothing in it containing alcohol. An alkaline-forming diet should be followed rather consistently.

As mentioned earlier, it would be wise to incorporate into the treatment some of the information found in the more extensive Circulating Files on multiple sclerosis. Most often gold chloride was given via the wet cell appliance. In some instances it was also taken orally. Thus, after two months, if regular improvement is not noted, the gold chloride should be started in the solution jar by means of the wet cell appliance. In this instance the attachment of the copper plate should be at the ninth and tenth dorsals in the spine one day, and at the fourth lumbar the next day. When this is begun, Atomidine should be given by mouth in a series that would be best suited to the individual. This would be up to the clinical judgment of the physician. Atomidine has been used in doses of one drop per day for five days, then left off for a period of time, then taken again. It has been given one drop a day for five days, then four drops a day for five days, and then five drops a day for five days. Then it would be left off for a period of one to three weeks, then resumed in the same manner. It has been given beginning with two drops the first day, three drops the second, and so forth on up to ten drops on the ninth day. Then it is decreased one drop per day until the original dose of two drops is reached. Then a rest of several days and the procedure is repeated.

As all of these factors are brought together into a course of therapy, it must be understood that they need to be followed for a long period of time in order to achieve proper results. In nerve lesions and rebuilding of nerve tissue, it is only reasonable to assume that a period of time somewhere between one and three to five years would probably be involved in such a case.

With the rather distressing prognosis to be found in this particular disease, there would be no reason to cease using a program that is constructive in its approach.

"Do these, as we have indicated... Not as rote, but knowing that within self must be found that which may be awakened to the building of that necessary for the body, mentally and physically and spiritually, to carry its part in this experience. For the application of any influence must have that which is of awakening of the activative forces in every atom, every cell of the divine awakening of the activative forces in every atom, every cell of a living body." (726-1)

[Note: The preceding overview was written by William A. McGarey, M.D. and is excerpted from the Physician's Reference Notebook, Copyright © 1968 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation, Virginia Beach, VA.]

Edgar Cayce Disease Common Denominators

According to Cayce, diseases often had certain causal common denominators, including:

Poor Assimilation: Occurs when the nutrients and energies required for building new cells and tissues are not supplied, adequately absorbed, or efficiently used.
Poor Elimination: Whether through the intestinal tract, bladder and kidneys, skin pores, or lungs, results in the buildup of toxic substances.
Poor Diet: Especially lacking fresh fruits and vegetables, compromises health.
Improper Acid-Alkaline Balance: Adversely affects electrochemical communication between cells, including nerve impulses.
Spinal Dislocations and Lesions: Affect nerve impulses that could directly or indirectly affect every part of the body.
Nervous System Imbalance: Adversely affects the entire body. A healthy nervous system requires the assimilation of key nutrients and hormones secreted from glands.
Circulatory System Imbalance: Adversely affects the supply of nutrients through the body and the removal of waste products.
Glandular Malfunction: Affects the secretion of key hormones required for cellular functions, including the absorption of key nutrients and minerals.
Stress and Overexertion: Aggravates physical and mental disorders.
Infection: Especially in combination with other factors.
Attitudes, Emotions & Karma: Cayce believed in mind-body-and-spirit healing, in which your mental attitudes and emotions affect your physical health. In addition, he believed in the role of past-life karmic influences in health, especially in physical disability.

Energy Medicine Appliances Used in Meridian Institute Research Projects

http://www.meridianinstitute.com/radwc1.htm

Energy Medicine Appliances Used
in Meridian Institute Research Projects

[Note: This page contains a description of two electrotherapeutic devices researched by the Meridian Institute. The following excerpt comes from a book entitled, The Radial Appliance and Wet Cell Battery: Two Electrotherapeutic Devices Recommended by Edgar Cayce written by David McMillin, M.A. and Douglas G. Richards, Ph.D. Copyright © 1994; used with permission; all rights reserved.]

BASIC DESCRIPTION OF THE RADIAL APPLIANCE AND WET CELL BATTERY

Electrotherapy is a fundamental therapeutic modality in the readings of Edgar Cayce. Cayce's explanation of the importance of electricity in healing is that the body itself is an intricate electrical system. Illness is often associated with imbalances or incoordination in the energy patterns of the body. Treatment is aimed at correcting imbalance in the body so that the body's own natural healing processes can bring coordination and regeneration to the system.

Since many forms of electrotherapy were available during Edgar Cayce's career as a psychic diagnostician, he made use of a wide variety of commercial appliances and devices. Yet by far, he most often recommended two appliances which were not part of mainstream medical practice. In fact, the commercial manufacture and distribution of the Radial Appliance and Wet Cell Battery were initiated and sustained through the information provided in the Cayce material itself. Modern versions of these appliances are still evolving in their design and application. The purpose of this book is to provide basic information about using and building these appliances. This book discusses specific applications, but does not contain sufficient information for a treatment plan for any specific condition.

Picture 1 shows a basic Radial Appliance with the wire and disk components essential for its attachment to the body. Although it looks like a battery, and was occasionally referred to as such in the readings, Edgar Cayce insisted that it produces no electrical energy of it own. He said that it acts more like a magnet that draws energy from one part of the body and redistributes it to other parts.

According to the readings, placing the appliance in a nonmetallic container full of ice water for about 20 minutes prior to attachment to the body chills the carbon steel core of the appliance. The steel core then becomes "electronized by ice or cold or water" (1800-4). Acting as a "radio magnet" (1800-28), the appliance can then affect the body's energy system when attached at definite anatomical centers on the surface of the body.

On the other hand, the Wet Cell (Picture 2) is definitely an electrochemical battery which produces a measurable direct current (DC) output. However, the strength of the battery is quite low. Typically, the battery produces a DC voltage of about 1/50 the output of a common 1.5 volt flashlight battery.

As with the Radial Appliance, Cayce said that the Wet Cell Battery works with the "low" form of electrical energy or life force of the body. The primary difference between the appliances is that the Wet Cell has a stronger effect on the body. Thus the Wet Cell is used almost exclusively as a "curative" treatment for chronic and degenerative diseases whereas the Radial Appliance is most often utilized as a "preventative" measure with "curative" applications at times.

In the "preventative" mode, the Radial appliance can be used as a tool for stress management and as an aid to meditation. Edgar Cayce said that it "would be good for EVERYBODY! ... This assists in keeping an EQUILIBRIUM. Not that it is a curative, but it is CERTAINLY a PREVENTATIVE!" (202-7). Used on a regular basis, the Radial Appliance can play an important role in a general health maintenance program.

The Wet Cell Battery is strictly a "curative" treatment. In other words, if the body is already seriously ill and in need of regeneration, the Wet Cell may be included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Cayce seldom prescribed it as the sole therapeutic modality. Physiotherapies including bodywork (such as massage and spinal adjustment), hydrotherapy, and diet were regarded as essential components in the integrated treatment plans recommended by Edgar Cayce. Cayce would also typically bring in the mental and spiritual aspects of healing when making referrals for the Wet Cell Battery. In certain cases, he said that treatment with the Wet Cell Battery should not begin until some progress in the spiritual area had been achieved (e.g., 3684-1, 4014-1, 4036-1, 5064-1).

The therapeutic possibilities of Cayce's comprehensive and integrated approach were enormous. The readings stated that remarkable physical healing could be expected, even with extreme illness. For example, in severe neurological disorders such as dementia, Cayce consistently maintained that the nervous system could be regenerated and that in some cases, the brain itself could be "rebuilt." A later section will discuss some of the therapeutic principles and techniques involved in nervous system regeneration.

With this brief introduction to the appliances, it is easy to see why the Radial Appliance and Wet Cell Battery were so much preferred by Edgar Cayce. They were regarded as relatively mild and safe and yet possessing tremendous therapeutic and preventative potential.




Picture 1: Radial Appliance in ceramic container with ice.



Picture 2: Wet Cell Battery with solution jar and attachments. Modern Wet Cell Batteries are often made with plastic or synthetic containers.


A Report on a Research/Treatment Program Based on the Edgar Cayce Readings

http://www.meridianinstitute.com/msreport.htm

Multiple Sclerosis: A Complementary Medicine Approach
A Report on a Research/Treatment Program Based on the Edgar Cayce Readings
Meridian Institute
June, 1997

Summary

Nine participants took part in a research project to explore the effectiveness of the Edgar Cayce treatment recommendations for multiple sclerosis. They spent 10 days in a live-in treatment and training program in September, 1996, then went home to continue the treatment protocol. Of the original nine, seven returned six months later in March, 1997, for a follow-up weekend to assess progress. Of the two who did not return, one person never began the protocol, due to illness immediately following the initial program. The other partially followed the protocol, reporting some success, but was unable to return for the follow-up. One of the seven people who did return had been unable to begin with the protocol until two months before the follow-up.

The treatment protocol included daily use of the wet cell electrical appliance with gold and Atomidine, massage, diet, and work with ideals, attitudes and emotions, meditation, and breathwork.

Physical symptoms were assessed both by physiological measurements of the autonomic nervous system (galvanic skin response and heart rate variability) and by subjective questionnaires. Mental/emotional/spiritual states were assessed by subjective questionnaires.

Subjects who followed the protocol consistently (but none completely or perfectly) averaged moderate improvement in MS symptoms over six months, on both subjective symptom checklists and questionnaires, and objective measurement of GSR. Three out of the seven reported major improvement. This rate of improvement was consistent with the typical Cayce prognosis. Continuation for a full year and attention to complete compliance with the protocol should produce even stronger results. This will require substantial logistic and emotional support for the patients.


Introduction

Multiple sclerosis is a disorder involving the inflammation and degeneration of the myelin (a fatty material that insulates nerves) in the brain and spinal cord. The loss of myelin is accompanied by a disruption in the ability of the nerves to conduct electrical impulses to and from the brain. This results in symptoms including balance and coordination problems, weakness (especially in the legs), visual disturbances, fatigue, bladder and bowel problems, and cognitive and emotional disturbances. In conventional medicine, multiple sclerosis is thought to be an "auto-immune" disease, in which the body attacks its own cells and tissues. Heredity, infectious, and environmental factors may all play a role.

The Edgar Cayce readings take a very different approach. They say that the primary cause of multiple sclerosis is a glandular imbalance, caused by improper assimilation of gold, and particularly involving the liver. The purpose of this research project was to explore the efficacy of Cayce's recommendations for treatment. It was a project in complementary medicine, meaning that it supplements conventional treatments, but was not intended to replace them. (Generally, however, the participants were not receiving specific treatment for MS, though some were receiving treatment for associated conditions such as depression.) The Cayce regimen is based primarily on diet, use of a low-voltage appliance known as the wet cell, and massage.

The project included the following components:

(1) Attendance at a 10 day, live-in program in Virginia Beach, with the following activities:

  • an initial evaluation of multiple sclerosis symptoms, including thermographicphotography of the skin of the back and abdomen, and non-invasive measurements of autonomic nervous system functioning;
  • introduction to the diet recommended by Cayce for treatment of multiple sclerosis, and following that diet during the program;
  • spinal adjustments by a chiropractor;
  • abdominal castor oil packs;
  • massage and training in home massage by a massage therapist
  • colonic irrigation by a colonic therapist;
  • using a personal Cayce wet cell appliance;
  • attending lectures on physical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of healing.
(2) Following a treatment program at home for 6 months, which included:
  • daily adherence to the diet introduced at the program;
  • regular use of the wet cell appliance followed by massage, according to the instructions given at the program;
  • attention to the mental/spiritual aspects of healing;
  • keeping a daily log of treatments and treatment-related events.
(3) Returning for a 3-day follow-up assessment after 6 months, which included:
  • a repeat of the non-invasive autonomic nervous system assessments;
  • filling out symptom and mental/emotional/spiritual questionnaires and evaluations;
  • group discussions of treatment and support issues;
  • planning for long-term treatment and support.
The Cayce Approach

Multiple sclerosis is one of the few diseases for which we have a Cayce reading given on the disease itself, for a doctor, rather than for an individual patient. Reading 907-1 states, "This condition of the spinal cord and of the brain is...the result of conditions which arise in the assimilating system from the lack of a balance in the hormones of the blood supply." It is described as produced by both, "an unbalanced diet and functional failure of the glands." Specifically, the glands involved are "those about the liver and the gall duct." In response to the question, what should be added, Cayce replied, "This depends on the progress of it... but, it is the effect of gold - the atomic effect of gold that should be added to the system." Cayce recommended that the gold be delivered "vibratorially," that is, with the wet cell battery, and also mentions silver and iron. Several of the MS readings given for individual patients also mention the importance of iodine for the glands. McMillin and Richards (1994) give details on the wet cell and its use with these solutions. Regarding diet, Cayce generally suggested a low-fat, high fresh vegetable, no fried food diet. For MS and other conditions requiring nerve rebuilding, the raw vegetables carrots, lettuce, celery and watercress were particularly recommended. The treatment protocol for this project is based on analysis of numerous Cayce readings for MS.

Notably in the MS readings, Cayce had a strong spiritual emphasis, and invoked karma as a causal factor. For example, "While we are working against karma, and there needs to be the renewing of faith in the divine, (the body once had it) we find that if the body will use what abilities it has to help others, there may be the quicker response..." (3626-1). Or, "In regard to the karmic condition...hence the first lesson spiritually is patience" (3779-1). Other spiritual advice included, "Add to the body first, then, brotherly love, patience, consistence; and whatever the disturbance, do not lose the sense of humor, but be patient. Do show brotherly love and kindness" (4005-1).

It is clear from the readings that healing MS is a long-term process. For example, "While the conditions may be aided, it will require patience, persistence and a great deal of determination on the part of the body and mind to attain to a control or a usefulness, or to use properly the limbs" (3695-1). Or, "As to whether there will be recuperative forces will depend a great deal upon how consistent and how persistent the body is in carrying out these applications...For...there has been an accumulation of almost a cycle, or five to six years of the general deterioration. To check and then build may require a complete cycle (seven years)" (3907-1)"

It was also clear, from reading the reports of many of the readings, that support for the patient is essential. It is likely that few people who received MS readings from Cayce actually carried out the treatments for the required length of time. One of our priorities was to make this material practical by focusing on support issues.

Although the Cayce approach is outside the mainstream medical perspective, there is some medical literature pointing to its possible validity in regard to the involvement both of gold and of the liver. There is very little literature on the role of gold in the human body. It is generally thought to be inert, although gold compounds have been useful for their anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of arthritis. Only one researcher has explored the relationship of gold to pathology in the nervous system. El-Yazigi et al. (1984, 1990) looked at both silver and gold, as well as a variety of other trace elements, in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with cerebral neoplasms (brain tumors). (Silver is another important element in nervous system regeneration, according to Cayce.) The malignant tumor/control patient concentration ratio was 2.31 for silver. They state that the biochemical mechanism for this increased concentration is unknown. Although there was no consistent relationship between gold and tumor vs. control subjects, for the single patient with pinealblastoma the concentration of gold was about twice the concentration for the controls or other tumor types. The pineal has an important role in the Cayce model of the human system, so this is a relationship worth further exploration (e.g., see reading 3612-1, which mentions the pineal gland in connection with MS). El-Yazigi's group did not look specifically at MS patients. In personal correspondence with Douglas Richards (January, 1997), El-Yazigi stated that he was unaware of anyone else studying the role of gold in the nervous system, and was no longer pursuing this research himself.

There are also reports of involvement of the liver in MS. Taub et al. (1989), Noseworthy and Evers (1989) and Pontecorvo et al. (1992) all report co-morbidity of MS and primary biliary cirrhosis, a chronic disease with progressive destruction of the bile ducts in the liver leading to cirrhosis and, in some instance, progressive liver failure. The authors tend to see both the MS and the liver problems as results of an autoimmune process. But it is certainly possible that a problem in the liver is the cause of the MS, although in most people that problem may be subtle and not detected with current medical tests.

Methods

Subject Recruitment, Selection, and Informed Consent

MS subjects were recruited through announcements in Venture Inward magazine. Potential subjects were given medical history and information forms to fill out. From among the completed forms, Meridian Institute personnel selected those people deemed most likely to benefit from the project. Only adult subjects were allowed to participate; there are otherwise no restrictions on age, sex, or race. Nine participants were finally selected and attended.

Subjects were not financially compensated for participating in the study. All research and treatment costs were paid by the Barden/Beltone grant to the A.R.E. Conference costs related to housing, food, and transportation were paid by the subjects.

At the beginning of the conference, the project was explained in detail by the investigators, and the subjects signed informed consent forms. The forms emphasized that the project did not include discontinuation of any conventional therapy or medication. Subjects were informed that there are no known significant risks from proper application of castor oil packs, massage, or the wet cell and that there is a slight risk of some abdominal discomfort from colonic irrigations. Subjects were also informed that all subject medical records would be kept at Meridian Institute, under the supervision of Dr. Eric Mein, and that confidentiality would be protected according to accepted medical standards.

Assessment and Data Collection

The initial assessment and data collection took place the first morning of the conference. The goal was to establish a baseline for evaluation of treatment efficacy. The assessment included:

  • Subjective symptom and lifestyle questionnaire
  • Autonomic nervous system assessment
  • Chiropractic assessment and thermographic photography
  • Brief medical physical exam

The final assessment of subjective symptoms and lifestyle impacts was conducted 6 months later in a follow-up weekend.

Chiropractic and Thermographic Assessment

Dr. Carl Nelson conducted the chiropractic evaluation. Thermographic pictures were taken of the thoracic spine and abdomen with a Flexi-Therm liquid crystal thermographic camera.

Medical Examination

Dr. Eric Mein briefly evaluated the severity of the MS symptoms, confirming the subjective symptom questionnaire..

Subjective Symptom and Lifestyle Assessment

David McMillin administered questionnaires on symptoms and lifestyle, and conducted interviews to determine what other conditions might be co-existent with MS. The questionnaires can be divided into ones exploring MS symptoms and quality of life, and ones exploring mental/emotional/spiritual issues.

Symptom/Quality of Life Questionnaires

Symptom Checklist. This is a 26-item list of symptoms, with 5 response alternatives ranging from "None" to "Extreme." This questionnaire was filled out by the subject at the beginning of the project, at monthly intervals during home treatment, and at the follow-up weekend.

Activity Assessment. This is a 23-item list of activities, such as "Driving," "Shopping," "Having sex," and "Going to religious services." It is intended as a measure of quality of life, without regard to specific symptoms. There are 6 levels of response for each item, from "No limitation," to "Great limitation." The score is a sum of the responses, from a low of 0 (no limitation on any activity) to 115 (great limitation on all activities). This questionnaire was filled out by the subject at the beginning of the project, at monthly intervals during home treatment, and at the follow-up weekend.

Daily Functioning Assessment. This is an 11-item questionnaire which is intended to assess the impact of the disease on daily functioning. It has items such as "My ability to write and/or speak...," and "My ability to think clearly and remember things...," with response choices such as "is unaffected," and "is moderately affected." There is also a single item at the end, "Since beginning the Cayce therapy regimen, I feel my symptoms...," with response alternatives such as "are very much improved," and "are very much worse." Possible scores on this scale range from 11 (no functioning affected) to 47 (all functioning strongly affected). This questionnaire was filled out by the subject at the beginning of the project, at monthly intervals during home treatment, and at the follow-up weekend.

Assessment of Medication Side Effects. This is a 21-item list of typical side effects of medications used to treat neurological and psychological disorders. There are 6 levels of response for each item, ranging from "None, to "Very severe." The score is a sum of the responses, from a low of 0 (no side effects) to 105 (many very severe side effects). This questionnaire was filled out by the subject at the beginning of the project, at monthly intervals during home treatment, and at the follow-up weekend.

Mental/Emotional/Spiritual Questionnaires

Attitudes and Emotions Assessment. This is a 15-item questionnaire based on issues often raised by Edgar Cayce, developed by David McMillin. It has items such as "I am a very cooperative person, " and "I find it difficult to trust people." Possible scores range from 15 (very negative attitudes) to 60 (very positive attitudes). This questionnaire was filled out at the beginning of the project, at monthly intervals during home treatment, and at the follow-up weekend. It was filled out by the subject for him/her self, and by the support person to independently rate the subject.

Beck Depression Inventory. This is the standard assessment of depression symptoms developed by Beck et al. (1961). It has 21 items, such as "I feel blue or sad," and "I cry more than I used to." Possible scores range from 0 (no symptoms of depression) to around 70 (more than one response level can be marked for some items, but for others only one would typically be marked). This questionnaire was filled out at the beginning of the project, at monthly intervals during home treatment, and at the follow-up weekend, by both the subject and the support person.

Spiritual Well-Being Scale. This is a 20-item assessment of "spiritual well-being." (Paloutzian & Ellison, 1982; Ellison & Smith, 1991). The items are of 2 types. One type looks at general ("existential") well being and sense of purpose, e.g., "I feel that life is a positive experience," or "Life doesn't have much meaning." The other type assesses religious well-being, based on a Christian concept of relationship to God, e.g., "I have a personally meaningful relationship to God." Possible scores range from 20 (meaningless life) to 120 (high existential and spiritual well-being). Ellison & Smith cite positive correlations between this scale and physical well-being and positive adjustment to physical illness. This questionnaire was filled out at the beginning of the project, at monthly intervals during home treatment, and at the follow-up weekend, by both the subject and the support person.

Index of Spiritual Experience. This is a 7-item questionnaire concerning spiritual practices, beliefs and experiences (Kass et al., 1991). Since the questions tap a diversity of spiritual aspects, we did not combine the items into a single score. When scored according to the Kass et al. system, all our subjects scored in a high, narrow range of spiritual experience. To further discriminate the intensity/diversity of experiences, we have added together the responses to the seventh question, which is a checklist of 13 possible spiritual experiences on a 1 to 4 scale of how much they have strengthened belief in God, for a low score of 13 (no spiritual experiences) to a high score of 52 (all profound spiritual experiences). This questionnaire was filled out at the beginning of the project, at monthly intervals during home treatment, and at the follow-up weekend, by both the subject and the support person.

Healing Questionnaire. This is a 6-item questionnaire developed by David McMillin, covering the 6 forms of healing discussed by Wayne Jonas and others (Schneider, 1994). They include cure, care, quality of life, empowerment, enlightenment, and soul development. It was used to evaluate the priority assigned by each subject to each of the six forms of healing, and the degree to which they felt that each form of healing was occurring. The ratings are not intended to be combined into a single scale.

Autonomic Nervous System Assessment

Several aspects of autonomic nervous system functioning were assessed by Douglas Richards using computerized equipment (Biopac Instruments MPS100). We measured heart rate with an ECG, finger and toe pulse with a photoplethysmograph, skin conductance (galvanic skin response), breathing, and finger temperature (see protocol, Appendix B). Our goal was to explore the forms of nervous system incoordination present in multiple sclerosis. We expected abnormalities in both heart rate variability and in galvanic skin response, based on the MS literature (e.g., Caminero et al., 1995; Drory et al., 1995; Elie & Louboutin, 1995).

Home Treatment Protocol and Monitoring

The initial conference was a training experience to enable participants to carry out the treatments at home. A notebook was provided with detailed instructions for home treatment, with a single page summary treatment protocol (Appendix A). Log sheets (Appendix C) were provided for recording compliance with the protocol, changes in symptoms, and any adverse effects. During the course of home treatment, subjects were asked to submit their progress logs on a monthly basis. It was emphasized to the subjects that they should not modify their current medical treatments for their condition, including medications, without specifically consulting their physicians. Any such modifications were to be noted in the daily logs.

Results and Discussion

Initial Assessment

Analysis of questionnaires and physiological measurements

The symptom and quality of life questionnaires, together with the physical exams, revealed a wide range of disability. Similarly, the mental/emotional/spiritual questionnaires varied widely as well. Table 1 gives the questionnaire results and Table 2 gives the correlations among the questionnaires. These are most useful for seeing general patterns, since the small sample size (9) means that a very high correlation is needed for statistical significance. The various questionnaires measured similar aspects of the effects of MS, but the correlations among the scores show that they were not measuring identical effects.

Thermographic assessment revealed consistent "hot spots" over the 6th and 7th thoracic spine centers in each of the subjects. This finding may be relevant to upper digestive system dysfunction (i.e., liver/gall bladder/gall duct). Consistent with this finding was the presence of a "cold spot" in the upper right abdominal quadrant.

Galvanic skin response and heart rate variability were the two autonomic system measurements expected to correlate with MS symptoms. Galvanic skin response (as measured by summing the baseline skin conductance and the responses to 4 autonomic tests) was rather low in most of the subjects, and virtually absent in four of the subjects with severe MS symptoms. This result is consistent with that of many other MS researchers, e.g., Caminero et al. (1995), who said, "SSR [Sympathetic skin response, a similar measurement to GSR] is a simple test for a dynamic evaluation of MS, well correlated with the degree of disability." Table 3 gives the means and standard deviations for the GSR and heart rate variability measurements (HRV). The GSR report gives the baseline, the responses to the 4 autonomic tests, and the sum of these measurements (in microsiemens). The HRV report gives the range of heart rate during deep breathing at 6 breaths per minute, and the ratio of spectral power (from an FFT) at .1 and .2 Hz) during deep breathing at 6 breaths per minute and 12 breaths per minute. The latter two measurements are intended to show sympathetic and parasympathetic activity, respectively. Table 4 gives the correlations of GSR and HRV with the subjective questionnaires. Many of the correlations of these autonomic variables with symptoms are not significant, due to the small sample size. Nevertheless, patterns are apparent, e.g., a clear cluster of high correlations of HRV with most of the questionnaires, and of GSR with Spiritual Well Being and Daily Functioning.

Follow-up Assessment

Progress from daily log sheets

Log sheets of compliance with the treatment protocol and subjective perception of improvement were submitted by the subjects at monthly intervals. Figure 1 graphs the perceived improvement in symptoms for the six subjects who consistently followed the protocol over the six months. The trend is clearly upward, but it is also apparent that in some people several months of following the treatments are necessary before significant improvement is noticed.

Analysis of questionnaires and physiological measurements

Summary Questionnaire. The summary questionnaire asked the subjects to rate their compliance with the various elements of the protocol, and then to rate the changes in their MS symptoms and in their attitudes and emotions. All subjects reported roughly the same level of compliance ("most of the time"). Wet cell compliance was consistent, but subjects varied widely in their ability to obtain the post-wet-cell massage. Some had continually available support, while others had no support at all and had to try self-massages or did not do massages. Subjects rated improvement on a 7-point scale, with 1=much improvement, 4=no change, and 7=much worse. All subjects reported some improvement, both in attitudes/emotions and in MS symptoms. The average score for MS symptom improvement was 2, "moderately improved." Three out of the 7 were "much improved." For attitudes/emotions improvement, the average score was also 2, "moderately improved." Two of the 7 were "much improved." All had at least slight improvement.

Follow-up Questionnaires and Physiological Measurements. Table 5 gives the results of the follow-up questionnaires. Note that the questionnaires for support people are not included because only 2 support people attended both the baseline and follow-up parts of the project. Table 6 gives the results of the follow-up physiological measurements. Table 7 gives the correlations among the follow-up questionnaires. The pattern - that the questionnaires are all measuring somewhat different aspects of MS - is similar to that of the baseline questionnaires. Table 8 gives the correlations of the follow-up questionnaires with the physiological measurements. The pattern is again similar to the baseline - there is a cluster of high correlations with HRV, and Daily Functioning has a relatively high correlation with GSR. Due the small sample size (6), not much meaning should be attached to the exact numerical values of the correlations.

Before/After Comparison of Questionnaires. The improvements documented in the summary questionnaire were also reflected in the individual questionnaires on both symptoms and attitudes/emotions. The difference in these two types of measurements is that the summary questionnaire required a retrospective comparison with the baseline 6 months previously. The before/after comparison was a simple subtraction of the numerical scores on the same questionnaires administered at the baseline and follow-up. Thus, no memory for the previous symptoms was required. The symptom checklist, activity assessment, daily functioning assessment, Beck depression inventory, and spiritual well-being scale all showed improvements. The very small sample size (6 subjects) makes statistical tests difficult to interpret (i.e., only extremely strong relationships would reach statistical significance). The attitudes and emotions assessment and the number of spiritual experiences did not change. The attitudes and emotions assessment questions are similar to those used in social desirability scales, and the lack of change may reflect more a stability in the response set for socially desirable items. See Table 9. The GSR and HRV measurements show only very slight (and statistically non-significant) changes (Table 10). Very interesting, however, are the correlations of the changes in GSR and HRV with the changes in the subjective questionnaires. There were a number of strong correlations, particularly with HRV and with the GSR baseline.

Overall, then, despite the difficulty of obtaining statistical significance with only 6 subjects, there are patterns that suggest changes in GSR and HRV are related to changes in subjective assessment of both symptoms and mental/emotional/spiritual states.

Personal experiences from interviews and questionnaires

At the six-month stage of the project, the most interesting results are not from the questionnaires or statistical analysis, but from the written comments and personal interviews with the participants. They were all very positive about the project itself, but some had to grapple with major personal issues. As discussed in the Introduction, Cayce saw MS as a condition in which much karma was involved. Translated into practical terms, this means that major mental/emotional/spiritual issues in relationships are prominent in the disease and in the response to treatment.

Here are some example of comments and observations. More complete case studies of the individuals are also available.

D.A.: "I am strengthening and healing, slowly and steadily. I cannot say that there are many noticeable effects yet to the outside world; I still stumble, lose balance, and move awkwardly sometimes, for instance. But I feel a whole lot stronger and better. I figure the nerves and muscles will catch up with me shortly....I am noticing some very pleasant "minor" changes...I am taking fewer and shorter naps lately (no longer the 3-4 hour daily requirements they once were). I look rested and my skin coloring is not as splotchy. [My husband] has noticed this. I feel more motivated (I've begun taking some home repair projects and am developing a list for the future). Last week while doing some raking, I even perspired (who would have thought that I'd be pleased to mop my brow, but it means I am regaining more normal reactions. I was so happy!). These may not be big changes to some, but I'm pleased as punch."

Conclusions

In the six-month period covered by this report, there was a substantial improvement in subjective MS symptoms and in attitudes/emotions, correlated with autonomic measurements. This result is impressive, since the Cayce readings and some anecdotal reports from people with MS who have applied them, suggest that the healing of this disease is a very long-term process.

The physical therapies - diet, the wet cell, massage - are straightforward, but require "consistency and persistency," as the Cayce readings would say. There is a great need for a reliable support person or network for success with this program. With MS, the emotional issues often complicate the support situation, although there are great opportunities for personal growth.

References

Beck, A. T., Ward, C. H., Mendelson, M., Mock, J., & Erbaugh, J. (1961). An inventory for measuring depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 4, 561-571.

Caminero, A. B., Perez-Jimenez, A., Barreiro, P., & Ferrer, T. (1995). Sympathetic skin response: correlation with autonomic and somatic involvement in multiple sclerosis. Electromygr. Clin. Neurophysiol., 35(8), 457-462.

Drory, V. E., Nisipeanu, P. F., & Kroczyn, A. D. (1995). Tests of autonomic dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis. Acta Neurol. Scand., 92(5), 351-360.

Elie, B., & Louboutin, J. P. (1995). Sympathetic skin response (SSR) is abnormal in multiple sclerosis. Muscle Nerve, 18(2), 185-189.

Ellison, C. W., & Smith, J. (1991). Toward an integrative measure of health and well-being. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 19, 35-48.

El-Yazigi, A., Al-Saleh, I., & Al-Mefty, O. (1984). Concentrations of Ag, Au, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, and Se in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with cerebral neoplasms. Clinical Chemistry, 30, 1358-1360.

Kass, J. D., Friedman, R., Leserman, J., Zuttermeister, P. C., & Benson, H. (1991). Health outcomes and a new index of spiritual experience. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 30, 203-211.

Macy, J. A., Gilroy, J., & Perrin, J. C. (1991). Hereditary coproporphyria: An imitator of multiple sclerosis. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil., 72, 703-704.

Noseworthy, J. H., & Ebers, G. C. (1989). Primary biliary cirrhosis and multiple sclerosis. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 84(12), 1584-1585.

Paloutzian, R. F., & Ellison, C. W. (1982). Loneliness, spiritual well-being, and the quality of life. In L. A. Peplau, & Perlman, D. (Eds.), Loneliness: A sourcebook of current theory, research and therapy. New York: Wiley.

Pontecorvo, M. J., Levinson, J. D., & Roth, J. A. (1992). A patient with primary biliary cirrhosis and multiple sclerosis. American Journal of Medicine, 92, 433-436.

Schneider, C. J. (1994). Are alternative treatments effective? Issues and methods involved in measuring effectiveness of alternative treatments. Presidential address at the 4th annual conference of the International Society for the Study of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine, Boulder, Colorado.

Taub, W. H., Lederman, R. J., Tuthill, R. J., & Falk, G. W. (1989). Primary biliary cirrhosis in a patient with multiple sclerosis. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 84(4), 415-417.

Multiple Sclerosis may not be an Auto-Immune Disease

New Data Challenge Theories Of Multiple Sclerosis

Earliest Pathology Exams Uncover Unexpected Cell Death

A new view of multiple sclerosis (MS) may arise from the first extensive study of brain tissue from the earliest hours during a bout of the disease. The results, published February 23, 2004, in the online edition of the Annals of Neurology, suggest that the earliest event is not, as previously believed, a misguided immune system attack on a brain substance called myelin. The full study will be available on February 23 via Wiley InterScience(http://www.interscience.wiley.com/annalsofneurology).

Instead, the first event appears to be the death of the brain cells that produce myelin, triggering a subsequent immune system mop-up operation to clean up the cells and the myelin, said author John W. Prineas, MBBS, of the University of Sydney in Australia.

Multiple sclerosis is an enigmatic disorder of the nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord. Scarring (sclerosis) replaces myelin, which normally insulates the nerves from damage and speeds electrical conduction through the fibers.

Depending on which nerve fibers are hindered, patients can experience problems ranging from weakness and clumsiness to numbness, visual disturbances, and even emotional and intellectual alterations. In some patients, MS manifests itself in cycles of relapse and remission; in other patients, the disease may progress to a stage of severe debilitation, either slowly or rapidly.

According to Prineas, the study he conducted with co-author Michael H. Barnett, MBBS, began several years ago while he was working at the New Jersey Medical School in Newark. A fellow neuropathologist in Manhattan asked whether Prineas and his colleagues would be interested in examining brain tissue from a 14-year-old girl who died unexpectedly 17 hours into a relapse.

Sudden death can occur in MS if the damage (or lesion) occurs in parts of the brain that control vital functions such as breathing and blood circulation.

"This patient proved to be unique in the history of multiple sclerosis in that there was lesion available for study that was less than a day old," said Prineas.

According to the dominant theory of MS, when the researchers examined the hours-old lesion, they should have found the beginnings of an immune system attack.

But Prineas and Barnett noticed that the myelin in the lesion was still intact, and there was no evidence that the typical armada of immune system cells and molecules had moved into the area yet. Instead, oligodendrocytes cells, which produce the myelin, were dying. Myelin is, in fact, an extension of oligodendrocytes that wraps itself around nearby nerve fibers.

"This encouraged us to re-examine other early MS cases in our brain bank," said Prineas. "Similar lesions, albeit extremely rare, were identified in a number of other early MS cases, which allowed us to conclude that the changes observed probably occur at the onset of any typical new lesion."

The results could have significant consequences for MS research, much of which is focused on understanding why the immune system attacks myelin. The focus may have to shift to understanding why the myelin-producing cells begin to die.

"The important point, at this stage of our investigation, seems to be that we have no laboratory model for this sort of pathology," said Prineas.

Article: "Relapsing and Remitting Multiple Sclerosis:
Pathology of the Newly Forming Lesion," by Michael H.
Barnett, MBBS and John W. Prineas, MBBBS, Annals of
Neurology online edition; February 23, 2004.

Goat Serum Helps MS Sufferers Walk Again

PATIENTS suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), the incurable wasting disease, have experienced dramatic improvements in their condition after taking part in trials of a drug derived from goat serum.

Some have reported being able to cast aside their walking sticks and walk for miles, or of regaining their vision or finding they can again use their limbs after years when any movement was agony. Of the 130 patients on the trial, 85% reported big improvements with no side effects.

Among them is Billy Edmiston, of Southsea, who was diagnosed with MS in 1988. “At the time of my first injections 15 months ago I was using walking sticks and sometimes a wheelchair. I started this treatment with no expectations but it has been astonishing,” he said.

“I am 500% better than I was. I can walk for several miles without sticks. I’m much stronger and generally healthier. And you have to remember that we have always been told that there may be remissions, but that the progress of the disease is unstoppable.”

The success of the trials has started to gain international recognition with Alan Osmond, one of America’s leading campaigners about the disease, travelling from the US to take the drug.

Osmond, the eldest member of the Osmonds singing group, who was diagnosed with the disease 17 years ago, said: “When I heard about the treatment here I decided I would have to come and see for myself.”

MS is the most common chronic disease of the central nervous system in young adults, affecting millions of people worldwide. Most cases are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40 and famous sufferers include the cellist Jacqueline du Pré, the actor Richard Pryor, director Bryan Forbes and Tory whip David Maclean.

An often progressive disease of the central nervous system, MS occurs in the brain, the optic nerves and the spinal cord. Though slow in its onset, in time it may produce tremors, partial loss of sight and paralysis.

The new treatment is being pioneered by a team of scientists and doctors led by Professor Angus Dalgleish, an oncologist based at St George’s hospital, Tooting, south London, who believes it will at worst provide a highly effective subjective treatment for MS sufferers, but may lead to a long-term improvement.

The treatment, given as a weekly injection, is derived from purified serum from immunised goats that produce antibodies. Three separate clinical trials are now being conducted.

Normally it would have taken about eight years and about £80m to get a new product to this stage. In this case it has been achieved in three years, having cost so far about £5m.

Dr David Maizels, a family doctor from Chiselhurst in Kent who had been treating patients in the “informed consent” trials for the past three years, said he had never seen anything like it.

“I want to emphasise that this is not a placebo effect. The improvements are sustained and there are almost no side effects. At times the results are amazing,” he said.

The trials, the first of which should be completed and analysed by the spring, will confirm whether there will be new hope for MS sufferers worldwide.

“Being positive is the key thing,” said Osmond. “It’s not the disease that beats you, but the lack of hope.”

Original Article can be found here (subscription required)

Note: One of our user''''s submitted the following info from this website:

"Caprivax. Whilst searching for new anti inflammatory agents we found surprising activity in the serum from certain inoculated goats. The nature of the anti inflammatory component of the serum was thought to be potentially useful in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and a pilot study suggested this may be the case. A formalised trial has now been submitted for patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis under Dr David Barnes at the Atkinson Morley''''s Hospital at Wimbledon."

and the Financial Times had this to say:

"The drug has strong anti-inflammatory properties which might make it effective against MS. Tests on patients have so far produced promising results, with a noticeable improvement in symptoms with no adverse side-effects. However, the benefits could be the result of the placebo effect. During the current trial, involving 80 patients, half will be given a weekly injection of Caprivax and half will receive a placebo. They will be assessed regularly for changes in muscle stiffness, mobility and vision."

Looks legitimate, folks... stay tuned.



Aimspro (Goat Serum) Update

Daval’s mission is to make "Aimspro'" available to all those who wish to take advantage of its therapeutic properties, as quickly as possible.

To attain this goal we need to achieve certain clinical, regulatory and commercial objectives which I am confident we are on course to do. The first is in our own hands and those of our eminent team of scientists. Increasing vocal patient demand will add weight to our regulatory submissions, and a projected partnership with a larger marketing organisation will assist in attaining the third objective.

As so many friends of Daval are aware, Aimspro is particularly suited to the treatment of neural disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, although we are becoming increasingly impressed with its applicability to other disorders of an inflammatory nature. The 150 patients who are already receiving Aimspro on an informed consent basis all attest to its efficacy. Daval is confident that those receiving it on the authorised trials currently taking place in this country will provide a similar endorsement in due course. We are keeping the appropriate government departments regularly apprised of the development of our remarkable medication in anticipation that they will help Daval to fast track its general availability.

We feel it would certainly be in their interest to do so as we are already achieving significant savings for the National Health Service by freely treating patients. When the product's true potential is fully realised these savings would amount to many, many millions of pounds. This would also be consistent with the Government’s frequently stated intention of strongly supporting the British bio-technology industry.

Daval has a growing number of supporters who are assisting its progress with their varied skills and the Board is most grateful for their continuing encouragement during this crucial development period.”

Brian Quick. July 2004


17/03/08 - Decision on Terminated Clinical Trial
Splitter
The Board of Daval International Limited decided, in 2004, to terminate the first full-scale clinical trial of AIMSPRO at St George's Hospital, London. The Company had drawn on a broad range of Medical and Pharmaceutical opinion to form this important decision, which was necessitated by the sub-standard handling of trial medication at the hospital's pharmacy, with the possible risk to patient safety and data integrity. A complaint against the responsible hospital pharmacist was then lodged by Daval with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.

The allegations of misconduct against the pharmacist were considered by the Investigating Committee on 4th March 2008 and it's judgement fully vindicates Daval's action in discontinuing this study, which was a two year placebo-controlled, double blind study of AIMSPRO as a potential palliative medication for Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

The Committee reasoned that there were a number of factors and areas of responsibility which contributed to the failure of the clinical trial and that the pharmacist had failed to take control of his responsibilities by ensuring that appropriate standard operating procedures were in place.

Although this matter has taken some time to be resolved, Daval is pleased that the accusations which have been circulated by malicious and irresponsible parties since 2004, regarding the Company's motives in terminating the trial, have been satisfactorily quashed. As regards future human studies, Daval's interests are somewhat protected by the tighter Clinical Trial regulations in the United States, Europe and Australia that are now in force. It is re-stated that the company's over-riding priority, as it passes through the development phase of AIMSPRO, a complex biological medication, will be that of patient safety.

Daval adheres to the Code of Practice of the ABPI, of which it is a member.

Daval International Limited

More infos : http://www.davalinternational.com/

Amalgam + MS

MS is the disease that has most often come to our attention. It is a disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin, or insulation around nerves. Historically there are many references to suspicion between Amalgam and MS. From the biological standpoint mercury can attack myelin tissues and generate an autoimmune response. Mercury can also alter the 3-dimensional form of proteins that can lead to the inhibition of catalytic activity that may be necessary in nerve impulse transmission.
Mercury damages the protective abilities of the blood-brain barrier that select what can and cannot cross into the brain, thus indirectly allowing other harmful substances to enter nervous tissue. Published scientific articles by Arvidson describe how mercury can leave the filling, go through the pulp chamber onto the nerve that activates the teeth -- the trigeminal nerve -- and follow this nerve backward (retrograde transport) into the brain. A Swedish researcher, Nylander authored one of several papers describing the close correlation between the amount of mercury in the brain of cadavers and the number of amalgam fillings present.

From results of a survey on a radio show, it was noted that mercury is not the only dental material that can stimulate MS. When asked, "If you have come down with an incurable or non-responsive disease and had dental work done within 6 months before the onset, what was the dental procedure, and what was the disease, and how long was it in between. You will have 20 seconds to tell this information." Six lines were lit up continually for the next hour and a half. The winner? Multiple sclerosis diagnosed by MRI within 90 days after the placement of a root canal.

That was a surprise, but now that we have studied root canals more, it seems far more plausible. Toxins found on extracted root canal teeth have been noted to kill some of the body's most resistant enzymes at extremely minute dosages. This contributes damaged nerve impulse transmission and to a reduction of immune defense. If these chemicals touch cells and does not kill them, they do not look like self, and therefore can stimulate an autoimmune response.

In a system I call "new math", it is noted that if a toxicity of one kind is introduced to a biological system, it has X potential for damage. If another toxin of 1 X potential is added to it, the total is not one, not two, but may be 50 times more damaging than either one by itself. In the oral cavity, it is not unusual to find Amalgams with 5 metals that produce 16 corrosion products, a root canal tooth filled with more than 10 chemicals that also produce a whole new gamut of toxins, a crown made from 6 or more non-precious metals, together with a plastic composite filling containing up to 8 chemicals. 1+1+1= what, in a conglomerate like this?

Removal of amalgam, root canals, and other offending substances from the mouths of MS patients when done according to a certain protocol has produced remarkable results in hundreds of MS patients. Not only have their motor skills improved, but blood chemistries and even protein degradation in the cerebro spinal fluid have improved. Why have the ADA and MS society banned together to prevent this information from getting to the public?

Thérapie à l’oxygène hyperbare pour les troubles neurologiques

Sclérose en plaques
La sclérose en plaques est une maladie chronique, récurrente et progressive a associé avec les lésions du système nerveux et est maintenant croit pour être une maladie incendiaire. En raison des divers signes et le cadre de symptômes et temps entre les assauts initiaux il est parti parfois non traité pendant des années. Un cours de traitement devrait être commencé aussitôt qu'un malade est diagnostiqué avec un régulier donne suite à des traitements comme nécessaire. Les traitements d'oxygène de Hyperbaric ont montré une réponse favorable surtout dans les malades avec moins d'étapes avancé de la maladie.

http://www.hbotxofpalmbeach.com/abstracts_study.html


Contenu du fichier PDF :

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Reports from four countries describing benefits from hyperbaric oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in the 1970's led to the
first controlled trial conducted at New York University which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine
in 1983. The outcome was very positive (p<0.0001),1 despite choosing chronic progressive or stable patients with a
minimum disease duration of over 11 years.
The patients were matched and randomly allocated to treatment or control groups and examinations were
conducted before, during and after a course of treatment by masked observers. The authors indicated that further
studies using longer follow-up periods were necessary as were studies of the use of oxygen treatment in patients
with acute symptoms. The second trial, published in the Lancet in 1985 also recruited chronic patients with disease
duration in excess of ten years. It demonstrated statistically significant improvement in bladder function. (p< 0.03)
(2) The final report of this study found that at the end of a year of follow-up there was less deterioration of
cerebellar function in the treated group.(3)
The improvement in bladder function after a course of twenty sessions generally lasted for six months. These
authors also suggested that further studies should be undertaken. In 1986 a London group published a preliminary
report in the British Medical Journal. (4) Positive effects were again reported for bladder function and several other
symptoms. In 1988 Oriani et al (5) used patients with a low disability score and compared 22 controls with 22
patients treated every week for a year. They detected an appreciable difference in outcome (p < 0.01) and
confirmed the effect using evoked potential measurements. In 1986 Pallotta et al 6 published a follow-up of 22
patients over 8 years. All received an initial course of 20 HBO treatments, and 11 were treated thereafter with 2
exposures every 20 days. The frequency of relapses decreased dramatically in the prolonged treatment group
whereas they gradually increased in the group which received only an initial course of treatment. Oxygen delivered
under hyperbaric conditions is the only agent to have resulted in improvement in patients with chronic progressive
and chronic stable MS.
The Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Centers, which are A UK Charity, provide HBO therapy in 62 Centers. Note that
the MS Society does not endorse any treatment for Multiple Sclerosis but "is not hostile to HBO and does not
regard it as dangerous or expensive". The outcome of treatment in 703 patients followed for 10 or more years has
been studied. Comparison of the results with published data on the natural history of MS shows a significant
reduction in the rate of deterioration which is related to the frequency of treatment (7). The need for continuation
therapy is now accepted as with the use of beta interferon. The possibility of preventing sclerosis by treatment
during acute attacks has still to be addressed. Lactate, a marker of oxygen deficiency, can be seen in acute MS
lesions using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This shows the need for urgent administration of oxygen and
there is no substitute.
1. Fischer BH, Marks M, Reich T. (1983) Hyperbaric-oxygen treatment of multiple sclerosis: A randomized,
placebo-controlled, double-blind study. N Engl J Med; 308:181-6.
2. Barnes MP, Bates D, Cartlidge NEF et al (1985) Hyperbaric oxygen and multiple sclerosis: short term
results of a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Lancet ii:297-300.
3. Barnes MP, Bates D, Cartlidge NEF et al (1987) Hyperbaric oxygen and multiple sclerosis: final results of a
placebo-controlled, double-blind study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 50: 1402-1406.
4. Wiles CM, Clarke CRA, Irwin HP et al (1986) Hyperbaric oxygen in multiple sclerosis: a double blind study.
Br Med J 292:367-371
5. Oriani G, Barbieri S, Pirovano C, Mariani C (1987) Hyperbaric oxygen in chronic progressive multiple
sclerosis : a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomised study with evoked potentials evaluation. In:
Oriani G (ed) Proceedings of the thirteenth annual meeting of the European Undersea Biomedical Society.
Palermo: European Undersea Biomedical Society: 196-203.
6. Pallotta R, Longobardi G, Fabbrocini G (1986) Experience in protracted follow-up on a group of multiple
sclerosis patients periodically treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In Baixe J-H (ed). Symposium sur le
traitment de la sclerose multiple par l'oxygene hyperbare. Paris.
7. Perrins DJD, James PB.(1994) The treatment of Multiple Sclerosis with prolonged courses of hyperbaric
oxygen. Proceedings of the 1st European Consensus Conference on Hyperbaric Medicine. Lille : 245-263.

La maladie de Lyme



Qu’est-ce que la maladie de Lyme?
La maladie de Lyme est-elle fréquente?
Quels sont les signes avant-coureurs de la maladie de Lyme?
Quelle est la cause de la maladie de Lyme
Quelles précautions doivent être prises en vue de prévenir la maladie de Lyme?
Que pouvez-vous faire si vous être atteint de la maladie de Lyme?
Médicaments
Conseils pour mieux vivre

Qu’est-ce que la maladie de Lyme?

  • La maladie de Lyme est transmise par la morsure d’une tique infectée par un microbe. Une tique est un parasite qui suce le sang des mammifères.
  • Le microbe pénètre dans l’organisme à l’endroit où la tique a mordu et est transporté vers différentes parties du corps par la circulation sanguine.
  • Si elle n’est pas traitée, la maladie de Lyme peut s’attaquer aux articulations, au système nerveux, au cœur et à la peau. Elle cause de l’enflure et de la douleur. Ce phénomène s’appelle l’inflammation. L’inflammation peut entraîner d’autres problèmes.
La maladie de Lyme est une maladie inflammatoire qui est transmise par la morsure d’une tique infectée par une bactérie. Cette bactérie pénètre dans l’organisme à l’endroit où la tique a mordu, commence à se multiplier et à s’acheminer vers différentes parties du corps. Si elle n’est pas traitée, la maladie de Lyme peut causer une infection qui se manifeste sous diverses formes, en particulier, sous forme d’inflammation chronique touchant les articulations, le système nerveux, le cœur et la peau.

La maladie fut décrite pour la première fois en novembre 1975, lorsqu’on diagnostiqua une arthrite rhumatoïde juvénile chez 12 enfants d’Old Lyme, petite communauté rurale du Connecticut. Dans les régions avoisinantes, plusieurs autres personnes avaient alors également signalé la survenue d’une crise d’arthrite. Un système de surveillance de la maladie fut donc mis en œuvre et l’on découvrit que 51 personnes vivant dans une région géographique limitée avaient eu la même maladie, à la même époque de l’année. La plupart avaient subi des crises brèves caractérisées par de la douleur et de l’enflure au niveau de quelques-unes des grosses articulations; bon nombre avaient remarqué plusieurs semaines auparavant l’apparition de rougeurs inhabituelles sur la peau, s’étendant progressivement. Une personne se rappela avoir été mordue par une tique là où siégeaient les lésions cutanées. Des recherches permirent de découvrir que cette forme d’éruption cutanée était identique à une autre éruption bien connue en Europe mais reliée à la morsure de la tique du mouton.


La maladie de Lyme est-elle fréquente?
  • On ne sait pas exactement combien de personnes au Canada sont atteintes de la maladie de Lyme.
  • La maladie de Lyme touche tant les hommes que les femmes.
  • Elle peut frapper à tout âge mais, en général, ce sont les jeunes de 11 à 14 ans ou les jeunes adultes qui sont atteints.
  • Les personnes qui font des activités de plein air, comme la randonnée pédestre, la chasse et l’escalade, sont peut-être plus susceptibles d’être mordues par des tiques et auraient donc un risque plus élevé de contracter la maladie de Lyme.

La fréquence des nouveaux cas semble avoir augmenté au cours des dernières années, ce qui pourrait s’expliquer par le fait qu’on reconnaît plus facilement la maladie elle-même et ses symptômes. On ne sait pas exactement combien de personnes sont atteintes de la maladie de Lyme.

La maladie de Lyme est très répandue en Europe, en Union soviétique, en Chine, au Japon et en Australie. En Amérique du Nord, elle est plus fréquente dans les régions du nord-est et du centre-nord; jusqu’à présent, elle demeure rare sur la côte Ouest. Des cas de la maladie de Lyme ont été signalés dans presque tous les états et provinces de l’Amérique du Nord, mais la majorité se concentre dans quelques états et dans quelques provinces seulement. Au Canada, le plus grand nombre de cas confirmés a été enregistré en Ontario, mais aucun n’a été signalé à Terre-Neuve, à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, au Yukon et dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest.

On croit également que la popularité croissante des activités de plein air, dont la randonnée pédestre, la chasse et l’escalade, peut accroître l’incidence de la maladie parce qu’elles se font souvent dans l’habitat naturel du chevreuil. La tique qui transmet la maladie de Lyme est un parasite de cet animal qui la transmet de région en région.

On a signalé des cas de maladie de Lyme chez des personnes de tous les âges, mais sa fréquence atteint son maximum entre l’âge de 11 et de 14 ans ou chez les jeunes adultes.

Le plus souvent, la maladie de Lyme se manifeste pendant l’été. Dans les régions où l’hiver est plus doux, le caractère saisonnier de la maladie est moins marqué.


Quels sont les signes avant-coureurs de la maladie de Lyme?
  • La maladie de Lyme comprend trois phases distinctes. Chacune se manifeste par des symptômes différents.
  • La première phase se caractérise par l’apparition d’une éruption cutanée au site de la morsure. La région affectée peut être chaude au toucher, mais elle n’est pas douloureuse. Avec le temps, l’éruption prend de l’ampleur. Il peut s’écouler quelques jours ou quelques semaines entre le moment de la morsure de tique et l’apparition de l’éruption cutanée.
  • 30 % des personnes atteintes de la maladie de Lyme n’ont pas cette éruption cutanée.
  • Fatigue, maux de tête, fièvre, frissons, douleurs articulaires et musculaires, boutons ou éruption cutanée se manifestent souvent durant la phase secondaire.
  • Au cours de la troisième phase, la maladie de Lyme atteint parfois d’autres parties du corps, telles que le cœur et le système nerveux.



Phase primaire localisée

On appelle phase primaire localisée, la période au cours de laquelle la maladie de Lyme fait son apparition. Si vous avez contracté la maladie de Lyme, vous aurez peut-être une éruption cutanée au site de la morsure. Dans la plupart des cas, la morsure siège à l’aine, sur les fesses, derrière le genou ou dans l’aisselle. Le délai entre la morsure de la tique et l’apparition d’une éruption cutanée varie de quelques jours à un mois. L’éruption est d’habitude de forme arrondie, son centre est blanc et son pourtour rougeâtre et la peau est parfois chaude au toucher. Cette lésion initiale de petite taille s’étend de jour en jour. D’habitude, elle n’est pas douloureuse. La plupart des gens ne se rendent pas compte qu’elles ont été mordues. Chez environ le tiers des personnes atteintes, ce stade passe tout à fait inaperçu.



Phase secondaire

Quelques jours après l’apparition des lésions cutanées, on observe fréquemment la manifestation de symptômes secondaires et de signes d’une infection plus étendue. C’est ce qu’on appelle la phase secondaire. Au cours de cette phase, vous ressentirez peut-être certains des signes suivants : sensation de malaise généralisé, fatigue, léthargie, maux de tête, fièvre et frissons. Vous aurez peut-être aussi des douleurs articulaires et musculaires, ainsi que des boutons ou une éruption cutanée à divers endroits du corps.




Phase tertiaire

Après la phase secondaire, environ 20 % des personnes atteintes bénéficient d’une rémission mais, dans la plupart des cas, la maladie évoluera vers la phase tertiaire. À ce stade, d’autres symptômes peuvent se manifester et toucher le cœur, le système nerveux et les articulations.

Moins de 10 % des personnes atteintes de la maladie de Lyme et qui ne reçoivent aucun traitement, souffriront d’une cardite (inflammation du cœur). Les premiers symptômes de la cardite sont des palpitations ou une perte de conscience inexpliquée. Cette affection peut disparaître spontanément mais, dans certains cas, elle doit faire l’objet d’un traitement médical.

Si l’inflammation causée par la maladie de Lyme s’attaque au système nerveux, certains signes, tels que maux de tête, irritabilité, sensibilité à la lumière vive et léthargie, pourraient se manifester dès le début. Environ 15 % des personnes atteintes de la maladie de Lyme risquent de souffrir de méningite (maladie qui se caractérise par des maux de tête et une raideur de la nuque) dans les semaines qui suivent l’éruption cutanée initiale.

D’autres symptômes révélant une atteinte du cerveau et des nerfs se manifestent parfois des mois, voire des années après le début de la maladie de Lyme. Par exemple, l’atteinte des nerfs des membres ou de la région de la tête se traduit par de la faiblesse musculaire, une paralysie ou une perte de sensations. La personne atteinte peut également souffrir de la paralysie de Bell, une affection qui se manifeste par une faiblesse ou une paralysie des muscles de la face. Si le cerveau est atteint, la mémoire à court terme et la capacité de concentration peuvent être diminuées. Ces troubles peuvent aussi s’accompagner de fatigue chronique, de maux de tête et de troubles du sommeil. Dans de rares cas, la maladie peut causer des convulsions et des lésions de la moelle épinière.

Le stade initial de la maladie de Lyme est souvent caractérisé par des crises intermittentes de douleurs musculaires et articulaires. Chez bon nombre de personnes, la douleur disparaît spontanément ou diminue avec le temps. Une arthrite chronique se constitue chez environ 20 % des personnes non traitées.

La plupart des personnes atteintes souffrent de brèves crises récidivantes d’arthrite touchant surtout les grosses articulations, comme celle du genou. Il est rare que plusieurs articulations soient atteintes. Les crises peuvent durer quelques jours ou quelques semaines. En général, les enfants sont moins gravement touchés. Malgré l’inflammation chronique, on observe rarement des lésions du cartilage et de l’os, comme c’est plus souvent le cas dans les autres formes d’arthrite.


Quelle est la cause de la maladie de Lyme
  • La maladie de Lyme est causée par une tique infestée par un microbe. Ce microbe est une bactérie qui est transmise lorsque la tique mord la peau.

La maladie de Lyme est causée par une bactérie en forme de spirale (spirochète), appelée Borrelia burgdorferi. Cette bactérie est présente dans l’intestin de la tique, et est transmise par la peau au moment où la tique mord son hôte. Dans la plupart des cas, ces tiques sont transportées par le chevreuil et se nourrissent de son sang, mais elles peuvent aussi mordre d’autres mammifères.


Quelles précautions doivent être prises en vue de prévenir la maladie de Lyme?
  • Portez des vêtements protecteurs de façon à ce que les tiques puissent difficilement atteindre votre peau. Parmi les types de vêtements appropriés, on compte le chandail à manches longues qui serre les poignets ainsi que les pantalons longs dont les extrémités sont enfilées dans des chaussettes ou des bottes.
  • Les insectifuges contenant du DEET peuvent efficacement repousser les tiques, et il est possible d'en appliquer sur les vêtements ou directement sur la peau exposée. Suivez les instructions du fabricant. Le mode d’emploi varie selon l’âge.
  • Vérifiez si des tiques se sont collées à vos vêtements ou accrochées à votre peau après avoir travaillé dans une région infestée par des tiques. L'inspection quotidienne de votre corps tout entier ainsi que l'extraction rapide des tiques accrochées (c.-à-d. dans un délai de 18 à 24 heures) peuvent réduire le risque d'infection.
  • Extrayez prudemment les tiques accrochées à votre peau à l'aide de petites pinces. Saisissez la tête et le rostre de la tique le plus près possible de la peau et tirez doucement jusqu'à ce que la tique soit retirée de la peau. Ne la faites pas tourner ou pivoter et essayez de ne pas l'endommager (c.-à-d. l'écraser ou la couper) lors de l'extraction.
  • Après avoir extrait la tique, nettoyez l'endroit où la tique s'est accrochée à votre peau avec du savon et de l'eau et désinfectez la zone au moyen d'alcool ou d'un désinfectant ménager.


Que pouvez-vous faire si vous être atteint de la maladie de Lyme?
  • Si votre médecin croit que vous êtes atteint de la maladie de Lyme, il/elle procédera peut-être à un examen physique et demandera des analyses de laboratoire. Votre médecin cherchera des signes d’une éruption cutanée ou vous demandera si vous avez eu une éruption cutanée ou si vous avez été mordu par une tique.
  • La plupart du temps, la maladie de Lyme peut être guérie, surtout si le traitement est instauré tôt.
  • Le traitement vise à maîtriser l’inflammation et à tuer la bactérie qui a causé la maladie.
  • Renseignez-vous le plus possible sur cette maladie. Adressez-vous à des personnes qui se spécialisent dans les soins aux arthritiques pour obtenir les renseignements dont vous avez besoin.

Dans la plupart des cas, la maladie de Lyme peut être guérie si elle est traitée rapidement par les mesures appropriées. Non traitée, elle risque d’évoluer et d’envahir d’autres parties du corps.

Il est très important de poser un diagnostic précis. Si votre médecin croit que vous êtes atteint de la maladie de Lyme, il/elle vous posera des questions au sujet des symptômes, des autres maladies dont vous souffrez; il vous demandera si vous avez récemment fait un voyage ou été malade et si vous avez eu des contacts avec des personnes malades. Il/elle procédera à un examen physique, cherchera des signes d’une éruption cutanée et vous fera passer des radiographies et d’autres tests afin de déterminer si l’infection et l’inflammation sont causées par un microbe.

La maladie de Lyme est souvent difficile à diagnostiquer en raison du caractère variable des symptômes et de l’évolution de la maladie. Il n’existe pas non plus d’épreuves diagnostiques spécifiques qu’on pourrait utiliser couramment pour la diagnostiquer.

Le traitement vise principalement à soulager la douleur et l’inflammation et à enrayer l’infection. Il est essentiel que vous preniez une part active au plan de traitement prescrit par votre médecin.


Médicaments
  • En général, on a recours à des antibiotiques pour traiter l’infection bactérienne causée par la maladie de Lyme.

Si vous êtes atteint de la maladie de Lyme, votre médecin vous prescrira probablement des antibiotiques. La durée du traitement dépendra de vos symptômes. C’est au stade initial que la maladie de Lyme réagit le mieux au traitement antibiotique, et chez certaines personnes, elle continue de progresser malgré cette intervention thérapeutique précoce. Lorsque la maladie de Lyme évolue et envahit le cœur, ou le système nerveux, l’hospitalisation est souvent requise et le traitement repose alors le plus souvent sur l’administration d’antibiotiques par voie intraveineuse (sous forme de liquide injecté directement dans un vaisseau sanguin).

  • L’acétaminophène est souvent utilisé pour soulager la douleur causée par la maladie de Lyme. Le TylenolMD est une forme bien connue d’acétaminophène. Il peut soulager la douleur, mais ne réduit pas l’inflammation.

Les médecins recommandent souvent l’acétaminophène (Tylenol®, Panadol®, Exdol®, etc.) pour soulager les douleurs modérées associées à la maladie de Lyme. L’acétaminophène est un anti-douleur, mais n’a aucune propriété anti-inflammatoire. Pour cette raison, on peut en général le prendre en toute sécurité avec la plupart des médicaments d’ordonnance. Cependant, la dose quotidienne d’acétaminophène qu’on peut prendre est limitée. Il faut donc user de prudence, surtout si vous prenez d’autres médicaments qui contiennent de l’acétaminophène (par exemple, les médicaments contre le rhume en contiennent). L’ingestion d’une dose excessive d’acétaminophène peut causer des dommages au foie.

  • On a souvent recours à des anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens (AINS) pour soulager l’inflammation due à la maladie de Lyme. Les AINS sont une catégorie de médicaments qui aident à soulager l’enflure et la douleur articulaires et à atténuer la raideur.

À faible dose, les AINS soulagent la douleur et, à plus forte dose, ils soulagent l’inflammation. Les AINS, tels que l’AAS (Aspirine, Anacine, etc.) et l’ibuprofène (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.) sont disponibles en ventre libre. Par contre, certains AINS, tels que le Naprosyn, le Relafen, l’Indocid, le Voltaren, le Feldene et le Clinoril ne peuvent être vendus que sur ordonnance. L’effet anti-inflammatoire des AINS et de l’AspirineMD est sensiblement le même lorsqu’on prend la dose complète, mais le soulagement peut varier d’une personne à l’autre et d’un médicament à l’autre. Prendre plus d’un AINS à la fois accroît la possibilité d’effets secondaires, en particulier de maux d’estomac tels que brûlures d’estomac, ulcères et saignements. Les personnes qui prennent ces médicaments devraient songer à prendre aussi du misoprostol (Cytotec), un médicament pour protéger l’estomac.

Exercice
  • Une fois que les symptômes de la maladie de Lyme sont maîtrisés, l’exercice peut contribuer à renforcer les articulations et les muscles.

Lorsque l’infection commence à disparaître, votre médecin vous prescrira peut-être des exercices pour renforcer les muscles. Des exercices d’amplitude de mouvement vous aideront à reprendre vos activités normales. Consultez toujours un médecin avant d’entreprendre un programme d’exercices.

Chaud/froid
  • L’application de chaleur aide à relâcher les muscles endoloris et à soulager la douleur articulaire. Par exemple, prenez une douche chaude.
  • L’application de froid aide à réduire la douleur et l’enflure. Par exemple, appliquez un sac de glace sur la région endolorie.


La chaleur et le froid peuvent soulager temporairement la douleur. L’application de chaleur soulage la douleur et la raideur en relaxant les muscles endoloris et en stimulant la circulation sanguine dans la région affectée. Selon certains, la chaleur risquerait d’exacerber les symptômes lorsque l’articulation est déjà enflammée. Par contre, le froid provoque un resserrement des vaisseaux sanguins et bloque l’influx nerveux dans l’articulation, ce qui a pour effet d’engourdir la région endolorie. L’application d’un sac de glace ou d’une compresse froide soulage l’inflammation et serait, par conséquent, la méthode de choix lorsque l’articulation est enflammée.

Protégez vos articulations
  • Prenez soin de votre corps. Après des travaux exigeants ou après une tâche répétitive, faites une pause. Passez à une tâche plus facile ou accordez-vous une période de repos.
  • Utilisez votre dos, vos bras et vos jambes de façon à éviter de forcer vos articulations. Par exemple, pour transporter des objets lourds, tenez-les contre vous.
  • Utilisez des appareils utiles, tel qu’un chariot pour transporter vos sacs d’épicerie ou un dispositif que vous fixerez au manche des couteaux pour avoir une meilleure prise. En vous aidant d’un chariot pour marcher, vous courrez moins de risques. Une main courante fixée au mur de la douche vous permettra d’entrer et de sortir de la baignoire plus facilement.

Protéger vos articulations veut dire vous en servir de façon à éviter de les soumettre à un trop grand stress. L’un des avantages que vous en tirerez sera d’avoir moins de douleur et moins de difficulté à accomplir les tâches que vous entreprendrez. Il existe trois grands principes pour protéger vos articulations :

Faites alterner travaux légers et travaux exigeants ou répétitifs, afin de réduire le stress sur les articulations endolories et de donner aux muscles affaiblis une occasion de se reposer.

Utilisez efficacement vos articulations en adoptant une position correcte pour éviter les efforts inutiles. Utilisez les articulations les plus grandes et les plus fortes pour porter de lourdes charges. Par exemple, utilisez une bandoulière au lieu d’un sac à main. Évitez de garder la même position trop longtemps.

Utilisez des outils pratiques, comme les cannes, les chariots à bagages, les chariots à épicerie et les manches de rallonge, qui faciliteront l’exécution de vos tâches quotidiennes. Les petits appareils électroménagers, comme le four à micro-ondes, le robot culinaire ou le robot boulanger, vous seront utiles dans la cuisine. Dans la salle de bains, une main courante et un siège de toilette surélevé vous permettront d’économiser votre énergie et d’éviter les chutes.



Relaxation
  • Relaxer les muscles entourant l’articulation enflammée soulage la douleur.
  • Il y a plusieurs façons de se détendre. Essayez des exercices de respiration. Écoutez de la musique ou des cassettes de relaxation. Méditez ou priez. Une autre façon de se détendre est de s’imaginer en train de faire une activité agréable comme être étendu sur une plage ou assis devant un feu de foyer.

L’apprentissage de stratégies de relaxation et d’adaptation est un moyen de mieux maîtriser votre arthrite et de voir les choses sous un jour plus positif.