Neural Therapy in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

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Abstract
Objective: To assess the therapeutic potential of neural therapy, a modified form of acupuncture, in multiple sclerosis. Design: A pilot study followed by a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study. Setting: The Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland. Patients: An unselected group of 61 new patients referred to the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital, suffering from any type of multiple sclerosis, who fulfilled the criteria of Schumacher and had a Disability Status Score (DSS) or Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) grade of 1–7. Intervention: Neural therapy, which is the injection of small amounts of local anesthetic without adrenaline, into specific trigger points in the ankles and around the greatest circumference of the skull. Main Outcome Measures: Improvements in the Kurtzke scales and the DSS or EDSS assessments. Results: Sixty-five percent (65%) of the patients in the pilot study (n = 40) and seventy-six percent (76%) of the patients in the double-blind trial (n = 21) benefitted from this treatment as assessed by Kurtzke scale improvements. On long-term follow-up of 2.0 to 3.5 years, more than 50% of the patients continued to show improved Kurtzke scale ratings. Improvements could be rapid. No toxic side effects were noted when injections were administered at a frequency of once or twice weekly or less. Conclusions: Neural therapy is an effective, nontoxic and inexpensive treatment for multiple sclerosis that can confer both immediate and long-term benefits.