Biomedical subjects

C Borchgrevink

Publications and source records attributed to C Borchgrevink.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Homeopathic treatment of migraine: a double blind, placebo controlled trial of 68 patients [see comment].

To evaluate the efficacy of homeopathy in preventing migraine attacks and accompanying symptoms, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. There was a one-month registration period without treatment, followed by four months individualised homeopathic treatment or identical placebo. Patients were stratified for common or classical migraine. Seventy-three patients were randomised, 68 completed the trial. Baseline values were similar in the two groups. Both the homeopathy and placebo groups had reduction in attack frequency, pain intensity and drug consumption, with a statistically non-significant difference favouring homeopathy. Migraine diaries showed no difference between groups. The neurologists' trial evaluation showed a statistically significant reduction in attack frequency in the homeopathy group (P= 0.04) and non-statistically significant trends in favour of homeopathy for pain intensity and overall evaluation. Further research, with improved trial design, on the possible role of homeopathy in migraine prophylaxis is justified.

Double-Blind Method↗

PubMed1997

Frequency and characteristics of side effects of spinal manipulative therapy.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinic-based survey. OBJECTIVES: To study the type, frequency, and characteristics of unpleasant side effects after spinal manipulative therapy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal manipulative therapy is a commonly used treatment, but there is little knowledge of its side effects. METHODS: Information regarding unpleasant reactions after spinal manipulative therapy was collected after 4712 treatments on 1058 new patients by 102 Norwegian chiropractors (response rate, 70%) through structured interviews. RESULTS: At least one reaction was reported by 55% of the patients some time during the course of a maximum of six treatments. Of the reported reactions, the most common were local discomfort (53%), headache (12%), tiredness (11%), or radiating discomfort (10%). Reactions were mild or moderate in 85% of patients. Sixty-four percent of reactions appeared within 4 hours of treatment, and 74% had disappeared within 24 hours. Uncommon reactions were dizziness, nausea, hot skin, or "other" complaints, each accounting for 5% or less of reactions. It was unusual that symptoms commenced later than on the day of or the day after treatment, were of long duration (not gone at the latest on the day after onset), described as severe, or that they resulted in reduced activities of daily living. There were no reports of serious complications in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Profiles now are described of common and uncommon reactions to spinal manipulative therapy and their latency, duration, and severity.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1996

Predictors of side effects to spinal manipulative therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether side effects of spinal manipulative therapy can be predicted and, if so, whether they are patient- or treatment-related. Also, to determine if there are different predictors for common reactions (i.e., local discomfort, headache, tiredness or radiating discomfort) and for uncommon reactions (i.e., dizziness, nausea, hot skin or "other" complaints). STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected in patient interviews using standard questionnaires in a prospective clinic-based survey. Several outcome variables (reactions during the course of treatment, reactions after each treatment, specific types of treatment reactions, severe or long-lasting reactions) were then cross-tabulated against sex, age, treatment session number, type of area treated, number of areas treated and type of treatment. SETTING: Chiropractic clinics in Norway. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and two chiropractors (response rate: 70%) and 12 consecutive patients per chiropractor (resulting in 1058 chiropractic patients) attending for up to six treatments (totaling 4712 treatments). RESULTS: Some patient- and treatment-related predictors were identified. Women were more likely to report reactions to treatment than men. There were also differences between gender in the types of reactions reported. More reactions occurred during the first treatment sessions, when more than one spinal region was treated, or when the thoracic spine only was treated. However, there were no specific predictors for uncommon side effects. CONCLUSION: Some predictors to the side effects of spinal manipulative therapy were identified but more information is needed regarding their clinical significance.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1981

Short-term and long-term effects of lay groups on weight reduction.

Three groups participated in a slimming programme run by lay people. The course lasted eight weeks, and the average weight loss was about 7 kg both in a small well-controlled study of 33 women and in a much larger one comprising over 10,000 people. Both studies were prospective. The long-term effect was studied in a random sample of about 1000 people. After four years 30-35% of the participants had kept the initial weight loss or were still reducing their weight, and only 15% had regained all the lost weight or more. That this result was better than usual may be because the programme operated through small groups of eight to 12 members run by the obese people themselves. The "slim-club hostesses' had all been obese and had succeeded in losing weight in the same programme. Group pressure and competition may also be important. Finally, the programme tried to change life styles, encouraging more exercise and reduced consumption of alcohol. The combination of scientific methods (behaviour therapy) and lay work may provide a clue for solving obesity and other serious health problems.

Body Weight↗

PubMed1978