Clinical evaluation of homoeopathic
medicines in epilepsy
Objectives: The objectives of
this study were to evolve a group of most effective homoeopathic medicines in
the management of epilepsy, to identify their reliable indications, most useful
potencies, frequency of administration and relationship with other medicines.
Methods: Central Council for
Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) undertook the study at its centres, Central
Research Institute (H), Kottayam (Kerala) and Regional Research Institute (H),
Gudivada (Andhra Pradesh) during the period 1980 - 2003. A total of 1011
patients including 543 males and 468 females were studied. The cases with
history of two or more seizures (grand mal or petit mal) with or without aura
were enrolled. Epileptic cases due to cerebrovascular diseases were excluded
from the study. Specific parameters were followed to assess the intensity of
attacks and the status of improvement.
Results: Six hundred and
thirty six cases were followed up regularly, out of which 15 cases were cured,
498 cases showed various degrees of improvement i.e. marked improvement in 116
cases, moderate improvement in 178 cases,
mild improvement in 204 cases and only one case became worse during
treatment. Medicines like Belladonna (n=29), Calcarea carbonica (n=38),
Cuprum metallicum (n=125), Gelsemium (n=44) and Sulphur (n=52) were found
to be more efficacious.
Conclusion: Homoeopathic
medicines showed a positive role in managing the cases of epilepsy. Cuprum
metallicum was found to be the most effective medicine. The objectives to
identify a group of effective medicines and their reliable indications were
achieved but the other objectives could not be fulfilled. A further study based
on high quality laboratory diagnosis and statistical tools is suggested for
scientific validation.
Key words: observational study;
homoeopathy; epilepsy; CCRH; India
M.S.Pramanick, R. Shaw, V.
A.Balachandran, T.N.S.Kurup, , E.C.Thomas, T.Vasanthiamma, B.Indra, Joseph
Thomas, D.M.Rao, P.S.Sivdas, Anil Kumar Vicihtra, P.G. Mohanan, K.R.Janardhan
Nair, S.Gopinathan, P. Paul Sumoithran,
A.K.N.Singh,
K.C.Muraleedharan, R.V.R.Prasad, B.S.J.Raja Kumar, T.Sosamma Vargheese, S.Geethadevi
Central Research Institute (H), Kottayam
(Kerala)
G.S.N.Murty, Ch.Raveendar
Regional Research Institute (H), Gudivada
(Andhra Pradesh)