Abstract | OBJECTIVE: Despite modern microsurgical techniques and interdisciplinary treatment options, intramedullary spinal cord tumors often lead to profound neurological deficits. Some patients may search for non-scientific or unconventional therapeutic options to treat the symptoms induced by the tumor itself or arising from treatment. The extent of non-scientific therapy use, the rationale behind it, and costs of these forms of therapy are unknown. METHODS: A questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was sent to 60 patients of a single neurosurgical center who had undergone surgery for an intramedullary spinal cord tumor. A retrospective study was carried out based on this data. Histological findings ranged from ependymoma (52.9%), hemangioblastoma (17.6%), cavernoma (14.7%), astrocytoma (8.8%), oligodendroglioma (2.9%) to ganglioglioma (2.9%). Non-scientific therapy was defined as a method not used in routine clinical practice for the treatment of symptoms induced by intramedullary spinal cord tumors. RESULTS: A total of 38 questionnaires was returned. About 55.3% of the patients claimed to use non-scientific therapies. No significant difference between histological types and the percentage of alternative therapy use was detected. There was a gender difference. One third (non user group) to one fourth (user group) did not feel adequately informed about their disease. The monthly costs for non-scientific therapies ranged from 50 to 500 Euros. The main motive for the use of non-scientific therapies was the wish to try everything possible. CONCLUSION: In the daily clinical routine, patients' use of non-scientific therapies may be largely overlooked and underestimated. Neurooncologists should be aware of this phenomenon and encourage an open but critical dialogue with their patients.
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Authors | F Raimund, S Nickel, C Hessler, J Regelsberger, M Westphal, O Heese |
Journal | Central European neurosurgery
(Cent Eur Neurosurg)
Vol. 72
Issue 2
Pg. 71-4
(May 2011)
ISSN: 1868-4912 [Electronic] Germany |
PMID | 20496309
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York. |
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Attitude
- Complementary Therapies
(economics, statistics & numerical data)
- Costs and Cost Analysis
- Female
- Humans
- Immunity
(physiology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Postoperative Care
- Postoperative Complications
(psychology, therapy)
- Retrospective Studies
- Self Care
- Sex Factors
- Spinal Cord Neoplasms
(psychology, surgery, therapy)
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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