Keywords:
Homoeopathy medicines, Neurological diseases, Wrist drop, Fracture of humerus, LM Potency, Rehabilitation, Quality of life improvement
Abstract:
Neurological diseases remain the major cause of disabilities in today’s scenario. Peripheral nerve injuries and central neurologic conditions can result in extensive disabilities. This article describes in detail about the role of Homoeopathy medicine in various neurological diseases. Two cases explained in detail about management of neurological disorders due to wrist drop and fracture of humerus.
Introduction:
Homoeopathy medicine is used widely for treatment of various lifestyle disorders and occupational diseases across the world. Occupational disorders of the upperlimb are the largest category of work related illness. Repetitive work with sustained abnormal posture and high forces leads to the development of neurological diseases of upperlimb in the workplace. By the use of appropriate Homoeopathy medical treatment ,rapid , gentle, permanent restoration of health ensues.
Philosophic Background:
Master Hahnemann in Materia medica pura Vol.I, in the introduction part of Arnica Montana says, “ the specific curative power of this plant or to find out the real remedy for the often dangerous general derangement of their health which is caused by a severe fall , by Blows, Knocks, Contusions, Sprains, or by Overstretching or Laceration of the solid parts of the body”. The pioneer , worldwide ‘torch-bearer ‘ of Homoeopathy , Constantine Hering , suffered in 1821 an injury in the right hand index finger while dissecting an exhumed body. As a result there was severe inflammation, high fever and it became so bad that amputation was planned. Hering’s friend , Dr. Kummer advised him to take Arsenicum album 30 . In Hering’s words , “With sceptism I took the drops in the evening and the next day was much better, a week later restored. And no more doubt ever”,
Aetiology and symptoms:
The main causes of neurological abnormalities of the upper limbs are:
- Cervical spondylosis
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Radial nerve lesions
- Ulnar nerve compressions at elbow or wrist
- Sudeck’s atrophy
- Brain and spine injuries
- Fractures
- Cerebro vascular accidents
- Cerebral palsy
- Combined lesions
Diagnostic tests:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRI Scans
Case Discussion:
Two cases from my clinical practice are discussed here.
Case-1:
Mr. K Age: 40yrs Sex: Male Occupation: Mechanic Date: 3.4.1998
Chief Complaints:
After encountering mechanical injury at his company, suffered from a crush injury of right hand in the year 1994, underwent surgical correction . Thereafter developed paralysis of the right hand. After 2times of surgical correction , his condition did not improve and hence he was advised physiotherapy and conservative management. After several consultations with Orthopedician, Physiotherapy, Siddha, Ayurvedha treatments for 4years , , he visited my clinic on 3.4.1998. Paralysis of right hand, frustruation and vexation about his condition.
Past History:NAD
Treatment History: Surgical management of Crush injury of right hand
Patient as a person:
Appearance: Lean built
Perspiration: Good
Appetite: Decreased
Thirst : Good
Craving : Spicy foods , chicken, tobacco smoking
Aversion: Milk
Bowel and bladder: Normal
Emotional State:
Vexation about his condition
Anxiety about health
Anger+
Irritable
General Physical Examination:
Temperature- Afebrile
Pulse- 80/min
BP-110/70 mm of Hg
Weight- 55kg
Pallor-0, Clubbing-0, Lymphadenopathy-0,Jaundice-0
Systemic Examination:
CVS- NAD
RS- NAD
Abdomen- NAD
Right Upper extremity: Crush injury of right hand , with paralysis of right hand
Lifespace investigation:
This patient hails from lower middle class . He is married and works as a mechanic in a machinery company. Non alcoholic but smoker. X-ray of the right upper extremity was taken after mechanical injury and was diagnosed with crush injury of the right hand. After surgical correction , paralysis of the right hand. Took various systems of treatment thereafter and visited for Homoeopathy consultation after 4years of mechanical injury.
Provisional diagnosis: Crush injury right hand
Totality of symptoms:
Vexation about his own conditions
Injuries to nerve
Mind-irritability
Injuries, Hand, fracture with laceration
Paralysis upperlimbs
Stiffness fingers
First Prescription: 3.4.1998
STAPHYSAGRIA-1M – Single dose
No.3 pills – twice a day for 15 days
Follow up: 15.4.1998
Improvement in movement of fingers
No.3 pills – twice daily for 30 days
Follow up: 1.5.1998
Can grasp things with fingers
No.3 pills -twice daily for 45 days
Follow up: 16.6.1998
Restoration of movement of fingers
Stiffness and paralysis resolved
Case-2:
Mr. A Age: 32yrs Sex: Male Occupation: Driver Date : 1.7.2000
Chief Complaints:
After encountering a road traffic accident on 1.6.2000, suffered from fracture of left humerus, underwent surgical correction of fracture of humerus. Thereafter developed wrist drops on the left side. Diagnosed with radial nerve compression, advised physiotherapy and conservative management. He visited 1month after the accident and was unable to move fingers, extend left hand, which was associated with darting pain in left shoulder, wrist and hand.
Past History: NAD
Treatment History: Surgical management of Fracture of left humerus on 1.6.2000
Patient as a person:
Appearance: Moderately built and nourished
Perspiration: Decreased
Appetite: Good
Thirst: Good
Craving: Spicy foods, cold beverages
Aversion: Eggs
Bowel and bladder: Normal
Emotional State:
Depression after shock
Dullness
Anxiety about health
Company desires
General Physical Examination:
Temperature- Afebrile
Pulse- 74/min
BP-110/70 mm of Hg
Weight- 65kg
Pallor-0, Clubbing-0, Lymphadenopathy-0, Jaundice-0
Systemic Examination:
CVS- NAD
RS- NAD
Abdomen- NAD
Left Upper extremity: Fracture of shaft of humerus with wrist drop secondary to lower radial nerve injury
Lifespace investigation:
This patient hails from lower economic status . He is unmarried and works as a driver. Non alcoholic and non smoker. X-ray of the left upper extremity was taken after RTA and was diagnosed with Fracture of the left humerus . Fracture was transverse type at the junction of the middle and lower 1/3rd shaft which was displaced. After surgical correction , severe tenderness in the lower arm followed by deformity of the lower arm.
Provisional diagnosis: Wrist drop- Left
Totality of symptoms:
Injuries ,Hand, fracture with laceration
Pain wrist
Stiffness fingers
Anxiety health about
First Prescription:
HYPERICUM 200- OD X3DAYS
No.3 pills- twice a day for 15 days
Follow up: 16.7.2000
Improvement in movement of fingers
Pain reduction
No.3 pills – twice daily for 30 days
18.8.2000
Can move fingers with pain
HYPERICUM – IM – Single dose
No.3 pills -twice daily for 15days
1.9.2000
Pain completely relieved
Restoration of movement of fingers
Conclusion:
The principle that ‘little’ will do, for even a great disease does not need an expensive remedy, the small will do. Rapid healing as well as relief of severe pains can be attained through Homoeopathic medicines. Every surgical case is at the same time a medical one too. In cases of fractures, Homoeopathy medicines promote rapid union and relieve pains. Thus neurological diseases of various types can easily be treated through Homoeopathic medicines without complications and ensure improvement of quality of life!
References:
- Dr.Samuel Hahnemann Materia Medica Pura, Vol.I ,Translation R.E.Dudgeon
- Wenda Brewster O’Reilly –Organon of the medical art by Samuel Hahnemann
- Dr.K.S.Srinivasan-Homoeopathic Therapeutics of Trauma -Third edition
- Dr.K.S.Srinivasan-Collected works of Dr.Pierre Schmidt Vol-I
- Davidson’s- Principles and Practice of Medicine-23rd edition
- J.T.Kent-Repertory of the Homoeopathic materia medica,Enriched Indian Edition
- J.T.Kent – Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia medica
- Robin Murphy – Lotus Materia Medica
Dr. D.Durairaj, BHMS
President, Vaigarai Homoeopathy Medical Hospital and Research Centre, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu,India
