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Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis causes the nerve fibers in the
brain and spinal cord to gradually lose the protective covering
which is made of a fatty substance called myelin. The myelin
covers and insulates a nerve in the same way insulation covers
electrical wire. Just like a wire that loses its insulation,
a nerve affected by MS develops a short circuit.
As a result of MS, hardened, scarred patches called
plaques may develop throughout the brain and spinal cord. MS
can cause swelling and a lack of oxygen in the tissues which
can produce many different symptoms.
MS occurs in one of two patterns. The first pattern,
the relapsing/remitted type, affects most people with MS. During
a relapse, the disease is active and the nerves are damaged.
New symptoms may appear or existing ones may worsen.
The second pattern is the chronic and progressive
pattern. In this pattern, there is a gradual worsening of symptoms
without relapses or remissions. Symptoms may fluctuate, but,
in general, they advance steadily with a continually worsening
prognosis.
There is no cure for MS. Existing drug therapies can
cause significant side effects that may be worse than the symptoms
they are designed to relieve.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the only treatment
that offers the MS patient relief of symptoms with no serious
side effects. Unlike most other therapies, it is the only treatment
that has been shown to work on a continuing basis. In addition
HBOT has been the therapy used on the largest number of patients
for the longest period of time, which means that it is the therapy
with the longest period of follow-up results.
Action for Research into Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS)
was a British charity founded in 1975. Early reports of a beneficial
effect of HBOT induced ARMS to conduct their own study. The improvements
experienced by their own members persuaded them to make the treatment
available throughout the United Kingdom.
ARMS became The Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
Centers. The Federation has over 70 independent facilities staffed
by salaried managers and volunteer operators (usually the patient’s
relatives). Last reported, in 1999, the Federation had completed
more than 1.3 million treatments.
Hyperbaric Oxygen has a well established history in
arresting the progression of the disease. A regular therapeutic
treatment in the UK, the failure to prescribe Hyperbaric Oxygen
for MS has been considered malpractice in Italy.
The findings of all the long-term studies of established
MS patients indicate that regular Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy favorably
influences the course of the disease.
Early treatment, instigated soon as the condition
is diagnosed and before irreversible lesions have become established,
is the most effective approach. The response has been shown to
be better in patients with less advanced disease and is related
to the frequency and continuity of treatment.
The social and economic advantages to be gained from
regular and prolonged treatment are obvious. The conclusion of
over 1.3 million treatments is that there are no side effects.
Lifestyles Therapeutics Camrose Inc
Blaine Ferguson, CMT, HCO, CHT
Swedish Massage
Tai Chi/Qi Gong Instructor
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Ozone Therapy
4910 - 49 Ave., Camrose, Alberta,
Canada, T4V 0M8
Phone: 780-672-6942
Fax: 780-672-6942
E-Mail: blaineferguson@hotmail.com |
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