Bridging mind and medicine: scope of homeopathy in neurological disorders

Dr Fakhra Zehra

ABSTRACT
Neurological disorders like migraine, epilepsy, and Parkinsonism often remain challenging to treat. Homeopathy, through individualised remedies, supports patients by addressing both physical and emotional aspects. It offers safe, gentle, and complementary care, showing promising scope in improving quality of life in neurological conditions.In neurology, where science often meets its limits, homeopathy opens the door to a deeper understanding of health: one that respects individuality, values the dynamic energy of life, and works gently yet profoundly towards restoring balance.

KEY WORDS : Neurological diseases, homeopathy, individualisation, holistic approach, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s.

INTRODUCTION
Neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves that affect movement, sensation, cognition, and behaviour. The most recent estimates show that the neurological disorders included in the Global Burden of Disease Study–Alzheimer’s and other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and headache disorders (migraine, tension-type headache, and medication-overuse headache )–represent 3 percent of the worldwide burden of disease. Although this is a seemingly small overall percentage, dementia, epilepsy, migraine, and stroke rank in the top 50 causes of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). ⁽¹⁾

Causes
Neurological diseases arise from a variety of causes that affect the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. They may result from genetic or hereditary factors, congenital defects, infections, vascular disturbances such as stroke, or traumatic injuries. Other causes include degenerative changes due to aging, autoimmune reactions where the body’s immune system attacks nerve tissues, metabolic and nutritional deficiencies, exposure to toxins, and neoplastic growths like brain tumors. In some cases, the exact cause remains unknown. Understanding these underlying causes is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of neurological disorders.

Classification

1. Headache disorders → migraine, tension-type headache.
2. Seizure disorders → epilepsy
3. Neurodegenerative diseases → Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis.
4. Cerebrovascular diseases → stroke, paralysis.
5. Peripheral nerve disorders → neuropathies, neuralgias.
6. Neuropsychiatric conditions → depression, anxiety with neurological basis.

Despite advances in modern neurology, most treatments remain palliative—controlling symptoms but rarely curing disease. Long-term drug use often brings side effects, leaving patients searching for safer, holistic options. Homeopathy emerges as a promising complementary approach, offering individualised treatment that not only addresses physical symptoms but also considers the emotional and psychological dimensions of neurological illness.

Diagnostic tools for neurological diseases

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Related Techniques
• Genetic Testing
• Positron Emission Tomography
• Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography
• Digitalised Tools for the Diagnosis of Migraines
• Surface Electromyography
• Neuromuscular Ultrasound
• Electroencephalogram ⁽²⁾

Philosophical Basis of Homeopathy in Neurology
Homeopathy views health as a dynamic balance governed by the vital force. The nervous system, being the primary regulator of the body and mind, reflects disturbances of this vital energy through neurological symptoms. Instead of suppressing these manifestations, homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s innate healing capacity, addressing both the physical and psychological dimensions. The mind-body connection is central: emotional shocks, grief, and stress often precede or aggravate neurological issues. The principle of “let likes be cured by likes” allows remedies to target not just physical symptoms (e.g., tremors, spasms) but also associated mental states (fear, anxiety, depression).

Several remedies in homeopathic practice have been traditionally used to support neurological health. For example, Belladonna and Glonoinum are known for acute congestive headaches and migraines; Cicuta virosa and Cuprum metallicum for convulsive disorders; Plumbum metallicum and Zincum metallicum for paralysis and neuropathies; and Gelsemium for tremors and weakness resembling Parkinsonism. Remedies are not prescribed generically, but selected after careful case analysis, considering the uncommon, peculiar and characteristics symptoms of the patient.

Dr Hahnemann, Father of Homoepathy  has mentioned  this in his  Organon of Medicine in few aphorisms like :

Aphorism 7: “Now, as in disease, from which no manifest exciting or maintaining cause has to be removed, we can perceive nothing but the morbid symptoms… it must be the symptoms alone by which the disease demands and points to the remedy.”

Aphorism 18: “From this indubitable truth, that besides the totality of the symptoms nothing can by any means be discovered in disease wherewith they could express their need of aid, it follows undeniably that the sum of all the symptoms in each individual case of disease must be the sole indication, the sole guide to direct us in the choice of a remedy.”

Aphorism 26: “A weaker dynamic affection is permanently extinguished in the living organism by a stronger one, if the latter (whilst differing in kind) is very similar to the former in its manifestations.”

Aphorism 153: “The peculiar, uncommon, and characteristic symptoms of the case must chiefly be kept in view…” — supports the individualization needed in neurological disorders where the same diagnosis shows varied expressions.

Aphorism 210: “In all cases of disease we are called on to cure, the state of the patient’s disposition is to be particularly noted, along with the totality of the symptoms.”⁽³⁾

The scope of homeopathy in neurology is not about claiming quick cures in every condition. Rather, it lies in restoring balance, slowing progression, and improving the quality of life where allopathy may only palliate. For instance, a patient with chronic migraines may find relief not only in reduced frequency of attacks but also in improved sleep, digestion, and mood after similium.

Philosophically, homeopathy does not treat “the disease” but the diseased person. This becomes especially meaningful in neurological cases where two patients with the same medical diagnosis may need entirely different remedies. One epileptic patient may be timid, weeping easily, craving company, while another may be aggressive, intolerant, and restless. The homeopathic physician sees beyond the label and listens to the individuality shining through the symptoms.

While the scope has its limits — advanced pathology where irreversible damage has occurred may not be fully curable — even here, homeopathy can offer palliation, easing pain, calming the mind, reducing side-effects of allopathic treatment, and most importantly, giving dignity to the patient’s journey.

Thus, the role of homeopathy in neurological cases is both philosophical and practical. It is not just about controlling disease activity, but about perceiving the human being in his wholeness. When we treat with this vision, we often witness shifts that go far beyond physical improvement — a calmer mind, renewed confidence, better sleep, and a more harmonious life.

IMPORTANCE OF BOENNINGHAUSEN’S CLASSIFICATION IN MANAGING NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES

1. Quid (What) – Identify the nature of the symptom: tingling, burning, numbness, tremor, or stiffness.
2. Ubi (Where) – Specify the exact location: head, right or left limb, facial nerve, or spinal region.
3. Quomodo (How) – Note aggravating or relieving factors:g., tremor worse at rest, headache triggered by light.
4. Quibus Auxiliis (With what else) – Record associated symptoms: anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, speech difficulty.
5. Quanam Modis (In what way) – Understand circumstances or manner of occurrence: sudden onset, progressive weakness, stress-related attacks.
6. Cur (Why / Cause) – Consider etiology: post-stroke, trauma, infection, hereditary predisposition.
7. Quando (When) – Include time-related patterns: morning stiffness, nocturnal aggravation, periodic seizures .⁽⁴⁾

Applying these criteria in neurological cases helps select the remedy that truly matches the patient’s individual expression, enhancing the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment.

Clinical Applications and Remedies ⁽⁵⁾

Some commonly used therapeutics in managing neurological diseases-

1. Headache and Migraine

• Belladonna: Acute throbbing headache, often with heat and flushed face.
• Glonoinum: Sudden, violent headaches, worse in the sun or from heat exposure.
• Nux vomica: Headache associated with digestive disturbances or stress.

2. Epilepsy and Convulsive Disorders

• Cicuta virosa: Epileptic seizures with violent jerking and loss of consciousness.
• Cuprum metallicum: Convulsions with cramps, spasms, and trembling of limbs.
• Stramonium: Night-time seizures with fear and restlessness.

3. Neurodegenerative Disorders

• Gelsemium: Tremors, weakness, and lack of coordination resembling early Parkinsonism.
• Plumbum metallicum: Progressive paralysis or neuropathic weakness.
• Zincum metallicum: Restlessness and spasmodic movements in neurological decline.

4. Neuropathies and Neuralgias

• Hypericum perforatum: Nerve injuries and shooting pain along peripheral nerves.
• Causticum: Neuropathic weakness and contractures with chronic pain.
• Rhus toxicodendron: Neuralgic pain aggravated by cold and damp weather.

5. Stroke and Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

• Arnica montana: After acute stroke or trauma, for bruising, weakness, and inflammation.
• Calcarea phosphorica: Weakness, fatigue, and delayed recovery in post-stroke patients.
• Phosphorus: Paralysis with emotional sensitivity or anxiety.

Conclusion
Homeopathy holds a promising place in the management of neurological disorders, offering a gentle, patient-centered approach that treats the individual as a whole rather than just the symptoms. Unlike allopathy, which often relies on potent drugs for symptomatic relief, homeopathy works by stimulating the body’s innate healing power, minimizing side effects, and promoting long-term balance. Its personalized remedies consider emotional, mental, and physical dimensions, making it especially valuable in chronic and complex neurological conditions. By focusing on root causes and overall well-being, homeopathy provides a safe, holistic alternative that complements modern medicine while giving patients a greater sense of control over their health.

REFRENCES

1. Neurological disorders| Introduction| 14 march 2016| National Library of Medicine |https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK361950/
2. Techniques for Neurological Disorders| Overview of selected rechniques| 1 May 2023| National Library of Medicine| https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK593674/
3. Hahnemann S, Organon of Medicine, 5th & 6th edition Delhi: B Jain Publishers: 2016
4. Boenninghausen C von, Therapeutic pocket book for homeopathic physicians,Translated by Allen TF. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; 2002.
5. William Boericke, Boericke’s New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory,3rd revised & Augmented edition based on 9th edition, Delhi: B Jain Publishers:2019

Dr Fakhra Zehra
Email : fakhrazehra2000@gmail.com