MORGELLONS or Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome (NCS)

Introduction

The terms Morgellons, and Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome (NCS) as characterized by Amin (2001-2009) are used interchangeably, yet cautiously, as their symptoms are very similar. While the etiological agent(s) and remedies of Morgellons have never been identified, these factors for NCS have been well researched and published in refereed medical journals (see below) and patients have been successfully helped. Only a few highly speculative accounts of a wide assortment of purported infectious agents for Morgellons serve as an awareness call for those suffering comparable symptoms but have not managed to find out where to go for help.

Parasitology Center, Inc. has been working with Morgellons (hereafter referred to as Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome NCS) for over 15 years which Dr. Amin described from patients experiencing dermatological abnormalities (elevated itchy skin sores that may develop into mucoid lesions) and neurological symptoms (movement, pin prick or crawling sensations) caused by toxic exposures to a wide variety of environmental factors. Those factors include, but are not limited to, incompatible dental materials, toxic fumes in the work place, insecticides or allergenic sprays, household chemicals, implants, recreational drugs, e.g., crystal methamphetamine and/or cocaine, medications, creams, hot sulfur/mineral springs, and any other environmental exposures to which the patient is allergic.

We provide a comprehensive and definitive evaluation including blood bio-compatibility testing, among others, and design a management program for individual patients' rehabilitation. All patients fully complying with our 6-track program have invariably recovered. Neuro-cutaneous Syndrome (NCS), a newly discovered toxicity syndrome is characterized by neurological and dermatological disorders as well as systemic and related dysfunctions. Patients experience, among other symptoms, pin-prick movement sensations and in later stages, itchy cutaneous lesions that may invite various opportunistic infections (insects, worms, fungus, pathogenic bacteria, among others) often confused as causative agents of the syndrome. Components of the calcium hydroxide sealants and liners, Dycal, Life, and Sealapex, and at least 400 other dental chemicals, have been identified as a source of the observed symptoms. The toxicity of dental chemicals, compounding factors and case histories were discussed and management protocols researched at the Parasitology Center, Inc. (PCI) were proposed. Lay NCS patients often confuse the movement sensations, itchy skin and related symptoms with parasitic infections and seek medical help under this assumption. Invariably, they are diagnosed with and treated for other etiologies often including arthropod infestation and/ or mental conditions such as psychosis and delusional parasitosis. Patients are genuine clinical cases who should not be further compromised by inaccurate diagnosis, wrongly medicated or subjected to psychological treatment in mental health care facilities. On occasions, Dr. Amin spends time helping NCS patients out of mental facilities. The institutionalization of some patients seriously compromises their state of mental and physical health, self confidence, and their ability to make sound decisions.

A detailed analysis of the clinical history of a random sample of 50 NCS patients (9 males, 41 females) was reported. Symptoms were classified into six categories, neurological (sensory imbalances), dermatological (including opportunistic skin infections), systemic, oral, allergic and general. The most common symptoms in each of these categories in the same order are pin prick and crawling sensations, skin lesions and sores, respiratory and bowel disturbances, gum disease, sensitivities to light, noise and mold, and fatigue and insomnia. Symptoms were relatively similar in both sexes. These results were tabulated and their biological foundation explained. The misdiagnosis of NCS cases by medical professionals is discussed. NCS symptoms in toothless patients or those with dentures, and those on recreational drugs are described. Over 360 dental toxins are placed in four major categories and their mode of action explained. Incubation period varied between a few hours to 28 years. Our protocol for rehabilitation is included. All patients following and completing our rehabilitation program have invariably recovered (Amin, 2006b).

Background

At the Parasitology Center, Inc. (PCI), we have been researching NCS since 1996. Our early reports on this syndrome included the description of a case with many facial opportunistic infections from Oklahoma (Amin, 1996) and the first naming and evaluation of the syndrome from 3 more cases, with a special reference to fibers and springtails (Collembola) (Amin, 2001). By 2003, we were able to provide a comprehensive evaluation of NCS and establish the link to dental toxins as the causative agents. Amin (2003) clarified the nature of action of dental liners (bases) in the causation of NCS neurological and dermatological symptoms and provided the history of 3 NCS patients who have recovered following rehabilitation thus establishing a cause-effect relationship. Various versions of this landmark publication were subsequently published elsewhere (Amin, 2004 a, b, 2006a).

The above contributions were researched and published, and patients were successfully helped long before we discovered a similar clinical entity called Morgellons. The only difference is that we, at PCI, have done the research, established a causal relationship with dental toxins, developed a protocol, and successfully helped patients.

Most people have had dental work. Many have various degrees of sensitivity to some dental materials to which their bodies manifest varied intensities of symptoms. This epidemic-in-disguise has been routinely misunderstood by medical professionals who often label patients as delusional because of their unfortunate description of their neurological symptoms (actually caused by nerve damage) as having been caused by parasite infections. Amin (2004 c) specifically addressed this issue while discussing the clinical history of 24 NCS patients. Of these patients, 7 who have followed and completed our protocol have experienced full recovery.

Amin (2005) provided an annotated list of about 400 dental materials that have been involved in the causation of NCS symptoms in patients that we have studied. Toxic ingredients common to all listed chemicals were classed in 4 categories. These categories are found in many more dental chemicals that were not reported in Amin's (2005) preliminary list. An overview of NCS (Amin, 2006 b) made special reference to organ system symptomology in 50 patients of both sexes and all age groups, misdiagnoses, storage organs, sealants, drug involvement, incubation period, and recovery, with the discussion of 5 relevant cases. The personal perspectives of patients who have recovered from NCS has been presented by Amin (2009) themselves.