Study of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis to Observe Disease Progression and Quality of Life

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a prospective observational study to understand how multiple sclerosis MS progresses in patients who use complementary and alternative medicine CAM. The study aims to track changes in symptoms, quality of life, diet, lifestyle habits, and the occurrence of adverse events. It also seeks to identify individuals who maintain the highest quality of life and minimal disease activity, called positive deviants, and compare them to others to explore factors influencing disease stability and well-being. Participants with MS who use CAM will be observed over time without receiving a specific treatment from the study. The study will collect data through surveys and assessments to describe patterns of CAM use and lifestyle choices. This includes detailed tracking of therapies and habits over a period of five years. During the study, participants will complete surveys every six months to report on their disease status, treatments, and quality of life. Researchers will measure outcomes such as CAM therapy use and disability levels using established scoring systems. This long-term observation helps to understand how different approaches may relate to disease progression and life quality in MS. The total participation duration is five years, with ongoing evaluations throughout this period.

Complementary and Alternative Care in Multiple Sclerosis