Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders and causes of disability among young people. Although some people with MS have some disability in their lifetime, up to 60% or more of the patients have major implications for their quality of life and financial cost to society. Most people with MS have a normal or near-normal life expectancy. In rare cases, MS is so malignant, progressive and ends quickly. Despite our awareness of the significant impact of MS, there is a serious lack of information on resources which are available to deal in the health system with the disease. Significant findings: Globally, the average estimated prevalence of MS was 30 per 100,000 (range: 5-80); Regionally, the average estimated prevalence of MS is the largest in Europe (80 per 100,000), followed by the Eastern Mediterranean (14.9), America (8.3) in the Western Pacific (5), Southeast Asia (2.8) and Africa (0.3); Globally, the average estimated incidence of MS would be 2.5 per 100 000 (ranging from 1.1 to 4). There is globally a major gap in the provision of essential and more specific forms of information about this disease.

Support and services:
1.There are no data for the needs of patients with MS.
2.Healthcare professionals are not sufficiently trained to assist, to identify and treat people with MS.
3.There is a lack of public and professional awareness of MS and its impact.
4.There is little understanding of the socio-economic costs of MS to individuals, families, carers and the community.
5.Due to inadequate education, advice and support, people with MS are not aware of that how they best can cope their health difficulties and to remain in education or in existing employment.
6.In many countries there are patient groups for mutual support.
7.In many countries devices or home adaptations are not available from any source.
8.Accessible public transport is often unavailable or difficult to use, and there is little support for alternative transportation.
9.Providing poor quality vacation is widespread.
10.There is a need for better understanding of the mode of transport, options for drugs that are overlapping with the care and the possibility of treatment.
11.Income inequality has significant effects on the provision of treatment and services in different countries.
12.People with MS use a wide range of “complementary” or “alternative” medicines or treatments which have not been tested in clinical trials.
13.The findings confirm the key role of MS organizations in helping these patients.
The data are taken from the publication of the WHO in 2008 ATLAS Multiple sclerosis resources in the world 2008.ISBN-978 92 4 156375 8.
The position of WHO publication regarding the application of CAM is:
– The five most prevalent alternative or complementary approaches used in more than 50% of countries are diet and nutrition (88.3%), acupuncture (86.7%), herbal medicine (81.7%), massage (78.3 %) and homeopathy (73.3%).
– Other alternative or complementary approaches used in some countries, chiropractic and osteopathy (41.7%), aromatherapy (40%), hyperbaric oxygen (40%), cannabis (38.3%), ayurvedic medicine (36.7% ), pilates (36.7%), dentistry (replacement of seals) (36.7%), biofeedback (35%), macrobiotic diet (31.7%), naturopathy (28.3%), hypnotherapy (21, 7%), hypnosis (18.3%) and iridology(18.3%).
Our training program for non-pharmacological treatment of Multiple sclerosis is made according to the latest findings from the search of the medical database pubmed. The data on the effectiveness of treatments are mostly cited publications published in the last 5-10 years, while CAM methods are mostly in the last 5 years.
Content of the training course
Theoretical part
1.Introduction for Multiple sclerosis as a neurological disease.
2.Excerpts from the report of WHO for socio-epidemiological characteristics of MS until 2008. (Final report).
3.Possible CAM methods in treating MS.
4.Fatigue and alternative methods for its treatment.
5.The importance of exercise in improving the life quality.
6.Music therapy in the treatment of MS patients.
7.Yoga in the treatment of patients with MS.
8.Application of kinesio tape for improving gait.
9.Application of balance exercises.
10.Massage and meditation techniques for reducing pain.
11.Treatment of pain with AM.
12.Tai Chi exercises in the treatment of people with MS.
13.Acupuncture and acupressure in the treatment of patients with MS.
14.Smile therapy for reducing anxiety.
15.Therapy with self-expression.
16.Mental exercises and MS.
17.Orthopedic orthosis to improve gait.
18.Nutrition in patients with MS.
19.Herbal therapy for patients with MS.
20.Physical procedures in patients with MS.
21.Functional assessment in patients with MS.
Practical part
1.Practical application of tests for MS patients.
2.Practical application of questionnaires for MS patients.
3.Exercises for balance in patients with MS.
4.Yoga exercises.
5.Tai Chi exercises.
6.Application of kinesio type to improve gait.
7.Types of music -video clips.
8.Specificity of massage.
9.Acupressure for reducing spasm.
10.Compilation of food menu for 7 days and reduction of constipation.