Homoeopathy for infantile spasms: An open label, single arm, clinical trial

Authors

Savita Kumari, District Joint Ayush Hospital, Sahibganj, Jharkhand, IndiaFollow
Neha Kalra, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, New Delhi, IndiaFollow

Corresponding Author

Savita Kumari

Keywords

Cognitive outcome, Infantile myoclonic encephalopathy, Infantile spasm, Psychomotor development, Seizure improvement, West syndrome

Article Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Treatment of infantile spasms (ISs) with allopathic medicines along with homeopathy is poorly understood in context with the seizure profile, psychomotor outcome, and electroencephalogram (EEG) changes. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of homeopathic treatment in seizure control, psychomotor development, and EEG changes in patients of IS. Materials and Methods: An open label, single-arm, clinical trial was conducted. Patients found eligible were enrolled (n = 30) and given individualized homeopathic intervention along with conventional medicine for 3 months. Follow-up assessment was done weekly based on 7 points: Sense of well-being, changes in cognitive behavior, changes in activity level, changes in seizure ictal period, changes in hypsarrhythmia, changes in speech, and gross and fine motor development. Results: About 76.66% (n = 23) of patients had improved clinically (sense of well-being, activity level, and seizure ictal period). Cognitive behavior improved in 50% (n = 9), while hypsarrhythmia improved in 16.66% (n = 5) of patients. Speech improved in 13.33% (n = 4), while gross and fine motor skills improved in 21% (n = 4) and 16% (n = 4), respectively. Calcarea carbonica (n = 4, 13.33%), Arsenic album (n = 4, 13.33%), Causticum (n = 4, 13.33%), Lycopodium (n = 3, 10%), and Nux vomica (n = 2, 6.66%) were frequently used medicines. Conclusion: Homeopathy plays a positive role in seizures in IS patients. More multicentric, randomized trials are required to make conclusions.

Digital Object Identifier

10.53945/2320-7094.1036

Publisher

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy

How to cite this article

Kumari S, Kalra N. Homoeopathy for infantile spasms: An open label, single arm, clinical trial. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2021;15(3). doi: 10.53945/2320-7094.1036