Futile treatments

Futile treatments are characterized by the absence of a useful result in a therapeutic intervention.

Bates method

The Bates method for better eyesight is an educational method developed by ophthalmologist William Horatio Bates (1920) which aims to undo what Bates claimed are "strained" vision habits (see here). Although many people (including vidi2) claim to have been helped by the Bates method, its efficacy remains controversial. There are no recorded cases demonstrating its usefulness in the therapy of persistent aura without infarction, so that we consider it as a futile treatment.

Vidi2 "used to see a sparkle (or a very bright shiny dot suddenly pop up in the air for a second or two) nearly daily. It was triggered only when my eyes felt very strained, but never when my eyes felt relaxed (even in the same day). It took me a little while to relax my eyes, but after a few weeks of palming and using my eyes correctly it stopped completely, and has not appeared in months. Relaxation using what Bates taught did the job pretty well."

(vidi2, Yuku forum Visual snow or static - General discussion - Question for vidi2, February 21, 2008)

Gut Brain Therapy™

"Is anyone familar with the 'gut-brain' therapy for migraines? Go to www.foreverwell.com and take a look at the site. The description is fairly succinct there (remodulation of serotonin, etc., through re-invigoration of gut flora, etc.). I have to admit it's catchy. I'm on day two of the treatment (they claim quick results, but a minimum of 90 days for a full course). It's spendy."

(TonyP, Yuku forum Visual snow or static - General discussion - Gut-brain f/u and NUCCA chiro, December 12, 2007)

One month and $130 later, TonyP gave a follow-up:

"Well, as expected, the 'gut-brain' therapy for migraine was a total f'ing bust. Why do I even bother with this stuff anymore? $130 for a two month supply -- and I was on it for about 2 weeks before dumping it. No relief and nothing but diarrhea. It is an interesting take on our deal, though. Check it out on foreverwell.com."

(TonyP, Yuku forum Visual snow or static - General discussion - Gut-brain f/u and NUCCA chiro, Janary 16, 2008)

References

Bates WH. Perfect Sight Without Glasses (or The Cure of Imperfect Sight by Treatment Without Glasses). Central Fixation Publishing Co., New York 1920
Sensenig J, Marrongelle J, Johnson M, Staverosky T. Treatment of migraine with targeted nutrition focused on improved assimilation and elimination. Alternative Medicine Review 2001; 6: 488-494.

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