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• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Complementary therapies and alternative treatments >> Complementary therapies and alternative treatments

Complementary therapies and alternative treatments

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• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Sue - Interview 31 >> She uses cranial-sacral therapy, acupuncture, and aromatherapy. She takes tomato juice for excess saliva, and echinacea and Bach Flower Remedies. [Voi

Sue was diagnosed with bulbar onset motor neurone disease less than a year ago (2006). She is now unable to speak and uses a laptop with voice software. Her arms and legs are still relatively strong.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/MND aged 50-64 >> Peter - Interview 38 >> He takes noni juice and ginseng, and sour milk. He is careful about diet, but feels a little alcohol can be beneficial.

Peter was diagnosed three years ago (2004). Symptoms started in his arms and hands, and progressed to his legs. He now uses a wheelchair full-time.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Carers >> Peter & Olivia - Interview 46 >> They tried Chinese herbal remedies and acupuncture partly to rule out any other problems. It seemed to help her energy levels, but in the end her symp

Peter's daughter Olivia (aged 22) died within a year of developing pain and weakness in her leg, in late 2006. Diagnosis of MND remained uncertain, as aspects of her condition were unusual.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PLS (primary lateral sclerosis) >> Peter - Interview 20 >> They consulted a homeopath but decided not to follow the advice given. They don't believe in 'quirky things' which claim to stop the progress of MND.

Peter was diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) 8 years ago (1998). Symptoms progressed quickly at first, but now more slowly. His speech was severely affected, so he was interviewed through his wife Ann. His mobility is also affected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Liz - Interview 39 >> Aromatherapy helps her breathing. She likes massage and has tried acupuncture. Meditation makes her feel calmer and stronger when she feels down.

Liz was diagnosed with inherited form of MND in 2004. (Her father and uncle both had MND). Weakness in her legs progressed to her arms; she is now in a wheelchair. Her speech is unaffected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Judith - Interview 12 >> She thinks yoga and meditation can make people feel better, but is sceptical about any therapies which might claim to cure the condition.

Judith was diagnosed with Progressive Muscular Atrophy form of MND two years ago, after consulting two neurologists. Now she uses a wheelchair and mobility scooter.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - PMA (progressive muscular atrophy) >> Paul - Interview 09 >> Acupuncture relaxed him, but he saw no longer term benefits and it cost too much. It made electrical nerve tests seem easy by comparison.

Paul's diagnosis of progressive muscular atrophy was confirmed 2 years ago (2004) after several years of leg pain and weakness. Now unable to walk and he has limited arm movement. Uses a ventilator, but his speech is not affected. He worked until 6 months ago.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Rarer forms - familial/inherited >> Liz - Interview 39 >> Her lung capacity is reduced but her breathing is still good. Occasionally she feels a bit out of breath - relaxation and aromatherapy help.

Liz was diagnosed with inherited form of MND in 2004. (Her father and uncle both had MND). Weakness in her legs progressed to her arms; she is now in a wheelchair. Her speech is unaffected.

• Nerves & brain >> Motor Neurone Disease >> Bulbar onset >> Sarah - Interview 21 >> She became very depressed and tried hypnotherapy and counselling. The hospice medical director persuaded her to try an antidepressant, and gives conti

Sarah was diagnosed 7 years ago when 7 months pregnant with her second baby in 2000. Now she cannot use her arms or walk unaided, and her speech is affected, so she uses voice software to communicate.