1. To study a 50-year-old male patient with sporadic onset Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) over a nine-year healing journey.
2. To review his prior health history, toxin exposure, infections, head injuries, diet and lifestyle.
3. To study the changes in diet, supplements, lifestyle and other Integrative Medicine approaches potentially contributing to his ALS reversal.
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neuron cells in the brain and spinal cord leading to progressive loss of muscle control for which there is currently no established cure. There is an increase in the number of ALS patients using Integrative Medicine approaches that are slowing or stopping progression, regaining partial function, and sometimes complete reversal of disease. This case study explores the details of patient number 41 out of 48 published ALS reversals by the Duke University ALS Clinic.
From 2010 to 2014 the patient developed muscle weakness, frequent falls, and fine motor skills difficulty. From 2012 - 2015, he became dependent on a wheelchair, feeding tube, non-invasive ventilation and tracheotomy. In 2014, he added Integrative Medicine therapies yielding mixed results. He continued both conventional and integrative approaches and began regaining function in 2016. By 2019 he had a normal EMG, his tracheotomy and feeding tube removed, and was able to speak and walk again.
We obtained and reviewed all medical records and extensively interviewed the patient.
This patient's ALS Functional Rating Score-Revised (ALSFRSâR) ranged from 6 to 31 out of 48 points. Today he is ambulatory, climbs stairs, eats and speaks normally, performs activities of daily living, and intermittent use of mechanical ventilation.
There are 60 documented and 48 published ALS reversals according to criteria developed by Duke University ALS Clinic. This case study illustrates the need for further investigation of ALS reversals, as well as potential benefits of Integrative Medicine.