Ataxia, or walking difficulties are an early part of disability amongst MS patients.
Wikipedia describes Ataxia as:
"A neurological sign consisting of lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements that can include gait abnormality, speech changes, and abnormalities in eye movements."
Strangely, another condition is described exactly in the same words: "Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare progressive condition that can cause problems with balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing."
Here I shall endeavour to put forth a different hypothesis than the one commonly projected in most literature.
"One of my colleagues, Dr Siegfried Trefzer, from the Hightree medical clinic specialising in integrative medicine, when professionally discussing one of his patients about ataxia symptoms writes:
"In my understanding, Ataxia itself is a term used for a group of disorders that affect coordination, postural balance, speech, most voluntary movements such as gripping and the selective engagement of muscle groups but also automated movements e.g. the ability to swallow, to walk etc. At some stage, my patient was simultaneously affected by all of these dysfunctions to a various degree."
"Ataxia" is a very broad term. Anyone with ataxia, according to my findings, has a multitude of other symptoms also, apart from those listed above.
This is an excerpt from my 2009 article on the impact of Atlas asymmetryhttp://www.positivehealth.com/article/anatomy-and-physiology/atlas-asymmetry-the-overlooked-phenomenon where I first wrote about "Gait" problems. This includes Ataxia:
"The cranium becomes unlevel, leading to an asymmetry of the eyes and the back of the head called the occiput, which physically alters the shape of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is of major importance for the maintenance of tone, posture, and co-ordination of movement in fine motor control of the skeletal muscles and many other functions."
My more recent article on Jaw asymmetry explains cerebellar insufficiencies consequent upon occipital asymmetry more succinctly:
"In the picture below, I have shown the basic disturbance in our cranium in terms of rotating cogs. When the lower jaw is pushed back, it causes the temporal bone to rotate forwards while the occipital bone lifts upwards. Consequently, the cerebellum housed within the occiput becomes asymmetric.
When the occiput lifts on one side, a little recognised fact, but easily demonstrable, it disturbs the blood flow through the vertebral artery which follows more of a sinuous path up to the brain. It is here that these arteries are at risk of “kinking” and therefore diminishing blood flow to the cerebellum, leading to an altered cerebellar neurological function.
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Any dental and jaw issues also cause a cascade of problems right down the spine, starting with the Atlas vertebra.
The Atlas vertebra rotates forwards and moves upwards on the affected side at the same time. The vertebral asymmetries affect the cervical spine causing a shoulder lift with (neck and shoulder pain) followed by a compensatory lower spine rotation causing (back pain.) The hips rotate to compensate for the rotated spine causing(hip pain) and causing a clinical (not actual) short leg and altered gait and often sciatic nerve pain.
These rotations also cause intense muscular problems right around the head, neck, shoulders. back, knees right down to the feet, causing collapsed foot arches. Usually, one side is affected more than the other side.
The effect on the eyes and the rest of the skeleton can also be gauged from an extensive article I wrote on 'Visual Snow' on this forum.
The hypoglossal nerve emanates from the occipital bone close to the occipital condyles. Any asymmetry here can also potentially affect the canal through which the hypoglossal nerve passes and supplies motor function to the tongue. Any impingement of the nerve can affect the facility of speech and swallowing, as often seen in ataxic patients.
The Vagus nerve, the Cervical plexus and the Sympathetic chain: The effects of asymmetry here can affect the function of many organs in the body, leading to digestive and blood pressure problems. The Atlas vertebral rotation affects the internal carotid artery, the Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) and the Vagus nerve which lie immediately in front of the transverse process of this bone, further compromising the blood flow to and from the cerebellum and higher neural centres.
Atlantotec
By courtesy of Atlantotec Germany
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The Internal Jugular Vein and the Carotid artery: These lie near each transverse process of the Atlas vertebra, with the artery and vein lying anteriorly. The asymmetry would compromise the blood flow through these vessels. This asymmetry may also be responsible for the obstruction of these veins in what is termed as Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) in cases of "Multiple Sclerosis".
The Phrenic nerve: This nerve supplies the diaphragm. Disturbances here can lead to a reduced breathing capacity[/color]. After Atlas correction, we have seen an immediate improvement in the patient's breathing capacity in a majority of cases, which is an absolutely phenomenal finding.
My extensive analyses of patients presenting over a long period with gait problems show a much wider picture. These patients have far more symptoms than the conventional belief which is limited to gait, speech, swallowing and eye problems.
Ataxia is perhaps only 5% of the story. It is possible to successfully treat a majority of the other symptoms through correct orthodontic interventions and make the lives of these patients FAR MORE COMFORTABLE in spite of any purported inherited or genetic condition.
Please see this graph, which presents a true picture of the multitude of symptoms. Only the most prevalent symptoms have been listed. Some patients have 40 plus symptoms.
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This graph is from patient completed responses. It is not a true scientific evaluation nor peer-reviewed.
The graph is to enable patients to find if they can recognise the patterns, to see if they also suffer from some or any of these additional symptoms.
Patients with hereditary conditions should NOT expect to see improvements from the part of the symptoms which can be attributed to inheritance of their disability. If the patient shows any improvements then the condition cannot be hereditary or genetic as often claimed by neurologists who are ill-equipped to correct the physical asymmetries.
The influence of occlusal stabilization appliances (OSA) on cervical dystonia symptoms
In a research article, Romanian researchers CAMELIA NAVROTCHI and MÎNDRA EUGENIA BADEA report the improvements in mobility with the use of an occlusal appliance:
Results
"The OSA was applied on the lower arch in 3 (27.3%) patients and on the upper arch in 8 (72.7%) patients. The OSA wearing time for the first 24 hours was on average 19.2±6 hours. Total relaxation of dystonic muscles was reported by 9 (81.8%) patients, while 2 (18.2%) patients related to partial muscle relaxation. Seven (63.6%) patients reported a pain decrease. Increased comfort while walking was observed by 8 (72.7%) patients. Two (18.2%) patients described an increase in sleep quality. In two (18.2%) patients, the tremor disappeared. All patients reported difficulties while eating and removed the OSA during meals. Patients who wore the OSA for more hours, experienced a pain decrease (p=0.08), an increase in sleep quality (p=0.1), the disappearance of the tremor (p=0.1). After three months, only seven patients continued to use the OSA. More patients described a pain decrease after three months (5 (71.4%) vs. 4 (57.1%); p=0.5), relaxation of dystonic muscles (7 (100%) vs. 6 (85.7%); p=0.3)."
Testimonials on Gait, Ataxia:
1. EF wrote:
I developed a lot of balance and gait problems. I was very unsteady on my feet and could no longer walk much. I fell over a lot, so in July 2006 I scheduled an appointment to see my Neurologist, who concluded that because of the past 30 years of my medical history, I was actually suffering from Secondary Progressive MS..............
".....Mr Amir explained that the rest was a domino effect causing various asymmetries in my cranium, especially in the occiput, causing an imbalance of my cerebellum resulting in poor fine motor control. He checked and found that my Atlas vertebra was asymmetric, causing my hips to be unlevel. He concluded that all this was causing my gait problems. He said that his treatment could perhaps address all these issues.
I embarked on Dr. Amir’s treatment and rapidly gained control of my gait within a very short space of time. I can now walk for a long distance, and many of my other symptoms have eased or disappeared."
2. PB writes:
"Our only regret is that we didn't make that phone call earlier, but I really didn't think the ambulation issue could be dealt with. We had become resolved that despite the huge improvements in certain other areas of the MS symptoms, the walking restrictions were not going to improve. We were wrong and are just pleased and relieved we made that initial trip to Putney to see this remarkable doctor. He's outspoken, yet profoundly eloquent. He has a dry and sometimes caustic wit, yet is extremely charming and caring. He takes on lost causes, yet produces remarkable improvements in so many cases. He challenges traditional, orthodox thinking, yet intellectually justifies what he does and why he does it and then puts it into practice. Most importantly of all, he produces results that change peoples lives - we were so lucky to find him and his team and would not hesitate in recommending his services are called upon at the earliest opportunity."
3. AG writes:
"When my daughter was 25, she had a devastating stroke-like episode and was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis; afterwards, she was constantly in incredible pain. The after-effects included loss of vision, inability to walk, weakness down her left side, twisted her jaw, terrible migraines, trapped nerves in her neck and back, numbness throughout her body, vertigo, uncontrollable tremors and much more........... I am grateful every day that I found that random search result that led us to the brilliant Dr Amir and his pioneering work."
[This patient has totally recovered from her supposed "Secondary MS"]
4. JC writes:
I had presented initially with an ataxic style gait and was struggling to walk with a steady, tandem gait. MRI scans revealed some possible inflammation or demyelination high up in my brain, but no conclusions were reached. I was nervous and felt I was losing my mobility to the point where I would need to use a stick. However, since beginning my orthodontic treatment, my last scan in 2018, showed no further degeneration and my balance, gait and coordination are much improved.
Emotionally, I am so much more confident and positive since starting my treatment with Dr. Amir. For years, I was told my bruxism was down to stress, never to do with my bite, but now I understand that the constant use of an array of night guards and splints only added to the problem.
I truly believe that I have found someone in Dr. Amir, who has a thorough understanding of my entire situation, and I look forward to continuing improving health and well-being under his diligent care.
5. WT wrote:
"The journey up was awful, I felt ‘drunk’ but with the feeling of a bad hangover all mixed into one. My walking reflected how I felt, too. Luckily, my husband took the day off to drive me up as I could not possibly manage the train journey and certainly not on my own. He dropped me at his surgery door and planned to pick me up after my appointment.
Dr Amir decided on a certain appliance fitted in my mouth. This immediately and miraculously started improving my condition
After leaving the surgery, I found myself walking for the five to ten minutes to the car on my own. This I would not have been able to do previously. I felt steady on my feet instead of staggering. My husband was shocked when he saw me walking on my own up to the car."
6. CH wrote:
Astonishingly, Dr. Amir proved his theory by demonstrating that I could walk instantly with less pain if my jaw was properly aligned. I could not believe the sense of relief I got from this experience and how much hope it gave me to really believe that Dr. Amir's symmetry treatment will finally eradicate my gout.
7. SW wrote:
...but just walking normally was difficult. What I didn't realise was that most, if not all, of it was down to my spine/shoulder girdle and pelvis not being aligned correctly.
Now that I have been rebalanced, I actually feel amazingly different - no knee or hip pain and I feel completely balanced. It has put a big, big smile on my face, and I am recommending you to some of my friends, who have not been able to resolve neck or back problems.
In the last week I have completed a charity walk of 13 miles, cycled to my parents and back (35 miles) and played in a squash tournament - with no pain whatsoever!
8. Walking taller
As I explained when I saw you, I noticed a big difference immediately after my appointment. As I walked back to the station, I felt taller and as if I were standing up and walking straight for the first time ever. The change was so pronounced I could feel muscles working in my lower back that I had not been aware of before, and it almost felt as if I was leaning backward.
By the next day, it felt like my back had adjusted, and it was as if I had always been straight. My posture feels much better when standing and walking (although I still seem to slouch sitting down). Before the appointment, the bones in my upper spine and neck used to click frequently and quite loudly. This has reduced, although not completely disappeared.
Rachel, July 2008
9. Walking differently
Dr Amir!
It is amazing! I'm constantly looking around behind me because I can't believe how well my neck is working! I can feel that I am standing and walking differently, and I have no difficulty keeping good posture, it feels so natural! I wish you had done it 30 years ago for me, in fact, my body feels like you have taken 30 years off it! I feel like it should be checked for everyone in the world!
Renata, September 2008
10. Serious hip distortion, causing severe pain
I was born with one leg supposedly shorter than the other. I did not notice any problem with this until I was in my teens. My skirts were always lopsided and my trousers had to be shortened by 1 inch on the right leg. I also began to experience pain in my right hip, and so began many years of seeing doctors and physios - none of whom seemed to know what was wrong.
One afternoon, whilst working in my office in the City, the pain became intense, and I was taken to the Royal London Hospital where a Consultant decided that this was obviously appendicitis. I had my appendix removed and was sent home. The pain returned, and I was given an IVP [Intravenous Pyelogram] at my local hospital. The result was negative! Still, the pain was there. Many years later, after seeing a succession of physios, I was becoming more and more lopsided as I walked.
One evening I was in an armchair at home and had so much difficulty in getting up that I decided this was enough. As luck would have it, my son was seeing Dr Amir for another problem and I scheduled an appointment to see him in the hope that he could do something for me. He was my saviour - 2 years later, after straightening my teeth and sorting my Atlas vertebra, I was free of pain for the first time in years. My posture was erect, and I no longer have to adjust my trouser length - by 2 inches.
I am most grateful to Dr Amir and would recommend anybody who is in pain, and cannot get satisfactory treatment elsewhere, to contact Dr Amir for an appointment.
Valerie Page, 29th August 2016
11. A senior NHS executive about her daughter.
Hannah and her family are eternally grateful to have found Dr Amir so early in her illness, as she was physically deteriorating so rapidly that walking was becoming a significant concern and disability a real possibility. We would encourage anyone with these symptoms or with such a diagnosis to see Dr Amir, determine if the cause is the same as Hannah's so he can work his magic on them.
We believe that Hannah has been saved from being drawn into a "chronic incurable illness" like CFS/ME/MS or Fibromyalgia. Our advice to everyone with these or in fact many chronic disease labels is to have their jaws checked. You may have a chance to recover fully.
Mari Gay
12. Foot drag immediately after extraction of wisdom teeth which morphed into MS
“I have been passed the article about you in the Evening Standard and have read it with great interest. I too have MS, which started 13 years ago after having all of my wisdom teeth extracted under general anaesthetic. Straight after the operation, I could not walk properly on my left side, dragging my leg. The doctor advised it was weak muscles and to go to the gym - which I tried and failed. I simply could not move the machines with my legs. After a year, I sought complementary therapy and continue to do so, to varying degrees of help. (Over the years my condition has deteriorated, and I have been formally diagnosed since Dec ‘05.) Along the way, it has been suggested that my jaws are not in alignment, which is why the article on your approach was so interesting.
S.G.”
I have provided a very simplistic view. The situation could be much more complex. However, the good point here is that most symptoms can be attributed to asymmetries and not diseases or syndromes as such and are amenable to treatment.
I humbly suggest that this is a new paradigm, a new philosophy and a new discipline quite beyond either the conventional practice of medicine OR the conventional practice of dentistry.
Posted by M. Amir B.D.S., M. Sc. (U. of London), L.D.S., R.C.S. (England)
Revised January 2021
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