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by zxv 3667 days ago
Hang on a minute.

Placebo effect does not explain regaining sensation, nor regaining ability walking.

3 comments

Sure it can. Sensation is a subjective measure by the patient themselves. If the patient takes a drug then you ask if sensation improves, they could certainly say "it feels like it's improving".

And with regards to ability to walk, fatigue is often a major complaint in MS. If the patient takes a drug, "feels better", they may have more energy and do better on a walk test.

There are measure where a placebo effect is unlikely, such as blood tests of biomarkers or physical processes that are easily measurable without having to ask the patient (e.g. plaque buildup on arterial walls).

I think you're vastly and grossly underestimating how multiple sclerosis impacts your nervous system if you think that a placebo effect making you "feel better" will give you the ability to walk again.

It's actually a little stunning, reading your position on this.

It's not my position, it's the FDA's position. Take a look at some of the FDA's comments on other disabling diseases like Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. An improve in an ability to walk (6 minute walk test, 6MWT) is view with skepticism by clinicians.
For the purposes of clinical trials, are there any conditions that are excluded as possible placebo effects?
Regrowing limbs for an obvious start. Placebo is mostly effective with pain and has minor impacts on other issues.
That's exactly the placebo effect. You think that you get a treatment and your body reacts to that