The use of complementary and alternative medicine in children with common neurologic diseases

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a phrase used to describe additional health care methods such as mind/body practices and natural products not regarded as treatments by conventional medicine. The use of CAM in children with common neurologic diseases is more frequent than its use in healthy children (24%–78% vs. 12%). However, less than half of patients report such use to their physicians. The preferred modalities of CAM vary in different countries due to their different cultures and traditions. The most common factor significantly associated with the use of CAM is parental CAM use in most studies. The frequency of the use of CAM in children and adults with neurologic diseases is similar, and both rates are higher than the rates in those without these conditions. The preferred modalities of CAM in adults are diverse, and megavitamins and mind/body therapy (prayer and chiropractic care) are included. The most common factor significantly associated with the use of CAM in adults with neurologic diseases is high educational level. Physicians need to be concerned with patients' use of CAM and provide correct information about CAM so that patients may make the right decisions. Further study is needed to determine the evidence-based efficacy of CAM use in children with common neurologic diseases.

The evaluation of use of complementary and alternative medicine practices in the treatment of children with chronic neurological disease

“…In Western countries, the types of practices vary. In the United States, homeopathy-like applications are predominantly practiced, while in Korea, herbal products are more frequently used [8,10] .…”

“…The frequency of use of CAM among children with neurological complaints has been reported at incidence rates ranging from 13 to 78% [7,9] . Complementary and alternative medical practices may cause side effects, just as modern treatment methods [10] . For this reason, it is vital for patients using CAM practices to share follow-up and treatment plans with their doctors.…”

Pediatrik Epilepsi Hastalarında Tamamlayıcı ve İntegratif Tedavi Kullanımı

“…Amerikan Pediatri Akademisi, çocuklarda bu yöntemlerin kullanımının artması ile sağlık profesyonellerinin ebeveynlere TİT'ler ile ilgili bilgi ve destek vermeleri gerektiğini belirtmektedir 8 . Tamamlayıcı ve integratif tedavi uygulamaları da tıpkı modern tedavi yöntemleri gibi yan etkilere neden olabilmektedir 9 . Bu nedenle TİT uygulamalarını kullanan hastaların takip ve tedavi planlarının sağlık profesyonelleri tarafından kontrolü hayati önem taşımaktadır 9,10 .Bilinmeyen olası komplikasyonlar ve ayrıca ebeveynlerin TİT kullanmadan önce sağlık profesyonellerine danışmaktan kaçınmaları tedavi sürecini aksatabilir 11,12 .…”

“…Tamamlayıcı ve integratif tedavi uygulamaları da tıpkı modern tedavi yöntemleri gibi yan etkilere neden olabilmektedir 9 . Bu nedenle TİT uygulamalarını kullanan hastaların takip ve tedavi planlarının sağlık profesyonelleri tarafından kontrolü hayati önem taşımaktadır 9,10 .Bilinmeyen olası komplikasyonlar ve ayrıca ebeveynlerin TİT kullanmadan önce sağlık profesyonellerine danışmaktan kaçınmaları tedavi sürecini aksatabilir 11,12 . Tüm dünyada epilepsili çocuklarda TİT kullanım oranı %7,3 ile %73,3 arasında bildirilmiş olup, TİT kullanımı ile ilgili bazı araştırmalar olmasına rağmen 3,6,9,12 , Türkiye'de epilepsili çocuklarda TİT kullanımına ilişkin çok az bilgi bulunmaktadır.…”

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Mind-Body Approaches Used Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Adolescents

“…CAM treatments include practices that children and adolescents can learn to do on their own, which increases their capacity to manage and promote their own health. Examples of CAM treatments used by children and adolescents include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and probiotics, and mind and body practices such as meditation, prayer, yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy (Yeon & Nam, 2016). Non-vitamin, non-mineral dietary supplements such as Echinacea, fish oil, melatonin, prebiotics, and probiotics are commonly used CAM therapy among children (Groenewald et al, 2017).…”