Complementary & Alternative Medicine Flashcards
Definition of complementary medicine
therapies used IN CONJUNCTION with conventional medicine
Definition of alternative medicine
therapies used IN PLACE OF conventional medicine
How often do patients use some sort of alternative/complementary medicine?
Approx. 40% of patients
Office of Alternative Medicine does what?
Evaluate and research of alternative methods and their effectiveness
What is NCCAM aned what do they do?
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Evaluate and Research. Provide information to patients and providers
CAM users demographics: Male vs. female Income Disease State Race
More lirkely: Females Higher education & income Chronic disease states American Indian/Eskimo, White, Asian, Black, Hispanic
Top reasons of use of CAM?
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Joint Pain
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Insomnia
Others: digestive, fatigue, allergies, cholesterol, URI, CA, HIV/AIDS
Top 3 most commonly used herbals:
Omega 3 Fish Oil
Glucosamine
Echinacea
Uses of omega 3 fish oil?
Safety?
Decrease triglycerides
+/- Heart Disease
Generally safe
Uses of glucosamine?
Safety?
osteoarthritis
often combined with chondroitin
Generally safe
Uses of Echinacea?
Safety?
Immune booster/common cold
Generally safe
-concern with immunosuppressive meds
Uses of Flaxseed Oil?
Safety?
Laxative, hot flashes, OA, cholesterol
Generally safe
Uses of Ginseng?
Safety?
Thinking/memory (combined with ginko)
Decrease blood sugar in type II DM
Generally safe
-caution w/ warfarin, antiplatelet, immunosuppressive meds
Uses of Gingko Biloba ?
Safety?
Memory & Dementia
Claudication
Interacts with many meds, increased bleeding risk
Side effects: allergic rxns, nausea, HA, dizziness
Uses of Garlic?
Safety?
Reduce blood pressure
Decrease rate of atherosclerosis
Reduce cholesterol?
Generally safe, caution with blood thinners
Uses of Coenzyme Q?
Safety?
Post MI
HTN
Migraine prevention
Early Parkinson’s (Ubiquinol)
Generally safe
-caution with Warfarin
Uses of St. Johns Wort?
Depression, somatization disorder
Interacts with SSRIs= serotonin syndrome
Uses of Saw Palmetto?
Benign prostatic hypertrophy
Generally safe
Uses of Black Cohash?
Menopause symptoms
Generally safe
-rare causes of hepatitis/jaundice
What would you educate your patients about on use of herbals?
Efficacy Not inherently safe Slower onset 4-6 weeks Purchase from reputable source Caution in children and prego
What case was brought against the AMA by chiropractors?
Wilke Case:
rule against AMA, did not condone chiropractic use
Are chiropractic services generally covered under most insurance policies?
Yes
HMO may require in system provider
Who started the osteopathic route of medicine?
Andrew Taylor Still
Cornerstone of osteopathic medicine is?
manipulation to restore structure and function
focus on “whole” patient
