Feasibility of an Integrated Medical Care Program for Patients With Continuing Health Complaints After Amalgam Removal

Overview

Some patients report relief of symptoms after amalgam removal. However, a large group of patients are still suffering from partly severe health complaints even after the removal of amalgam. To date, no biological/medical explanation for these Amalgam attributed health complaints is available. The objective of this study is to develop an integrated medical care rehabilitation program and determine if it is a valid and feasible treatment for patients with persistent symptoms after amalgam removal. Such a comprehensive concept has to date not been operationalized in Norway, but information about the feasibility and the challenges around such a rehabilitation program are required, in order to prepare for a possible controlled and randomized study evaluating the effects of the suggested integrative care treatment program. This treatment program will focus on "learning by practicing", hence the study participants will be enrolled into a group program focusing on life-style changes. In addition to the life-style oriented group program, an individualized treatment strategy with therapies out of the spectrum of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) will be part of the treatment program. This part of the program is based on the results of a survey, related to use of CAM therapies, conducted in 2012 among the members of the patient organization "Forbundet Tenner og Helse". Participants of this treatment program must amongst other inclusion criteria have removed all dental amalgam fillings and experience symptoms which have not disappeared after removal of the dental fillings. Specific exclusion criteria are stated. The group program consists of 12 sessions which are held once per week for a whole day. Added to this is a choice of CAM therapies from a hierarchic list, established from the survey, and which accordingly is based on risk/benefit judgment. Data collection will take place at baseline, after 12 weeks (end of treatment), and three month later. The aim of this study is to test the feasibility of an integrated medical care rehabilitation program for patients in Norway who have had their Amalgam fillings removed, but still suffer from Amalgam attributed symptoms. It combines a lifestyle oriented group program with individualized CAM therapies in form of an outpatient program.