Dr Kavita Chandak
A seven-year-old boy diagnosed with a case of autism and ADHD with myoclonic epilepsy visited me a few years ago.
Father said he was born at full term. He has good speech. He can make a two-way conversation. He is quite curious, asking a lot of questions, but he is also hyperactive and stubborn. he has been wearing glasses for seven months with quite a large number. When he was born, he aspirated the fluid, and he was kept in the NICU for a week. It was a case of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). He is brilliant. His appetite is not good. He cannot participate in sports. Always gets tired easily, has low energy. I started giving him Protein powder in milk for strength a year ago. He complains of sour eructations from it. My wife said, it is just an excuse to avoid milk. He is still underweight.
Since childhood, he has suffered from frequent diarrhoea, for which medication was prescribed. Now having constipation. He consumed a lot of antibiotics and antiallergics for frequent cough, cold, and fever.
He further said, ‘My son is extremely knowledgeable, with a good memory and grasping power.’ He is a hard worker and extremely studious. We did not give him any vaccine after the COVID period; otherwise, the regular vaccination was done. We have been facing the problem of Tics for six months, and the first set of convulsions I observed was a week ago. On further inquiry, he said, my son went to a wedding 12-13 days back , ate heavy food and did not defecate for 5 days.
Analysis-
A person having a myoclonic seizure experiences a sudden increase in muscle tone as if they have been jolted with electricity.
The mechanism is similar to a myoclonic jerk, the sudden spasm occasionally experienced by people as they are falling asleep.
During the characteristic seizures (spasms), the child’s arms fling outward as the knees pull up and the body bends forward. Each seizure lasts only a second or two, but multiple episodes can occur close together in a series or cluster.
In the context of homeopathic medicine, convulsions are not merely isolated symptoms but rather expressions of underlying constitutional imbalances. Therefore, the selection of an effective homeopathic remedy is contingent upon a comprehensive evaluation of the child’s complete symptom picture, their individual temperament, specific physical characteristics, and any identified triggers for these episodes.
Ultimately, homeopathic treatment aims to strengthen the child’s vital force and address the fundamental constitutional weaknesses that may predispose them to convulsive episodes, promoting overall well-being and reducing the frequency and severity of such occurrences.
Common Causes of Childhood Convulsions
Childhood convulsions can stem from various underlying factors, each requiring a tailored approach in understanding and treatment. Identifying these causes is crucial for effective management and homeopathic remedy selection. The primary causes often observed include febrile episodes, teething issues, digestive disturbances, and emotional triggers.
Febrile Episodes
High fever is a common catalyst for convulsions, particularly in children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. These febrile seizures are often frightening for parents but are typically benign and related to the rapid rise in body temperature rather than the height of the fever itself.
Teething Troubles
Intense teething pain and associated inflammation can contribute to neurological sensitivity in some children, occasionally precipitating convulsive episodes. The discomfort and systemic upset during teething can lower a child’s seizure threshold.
Digestive Disturbances
Various digestive issues, such as parasitic infections (worms), general indigestion, or acute gastric irritation, can impact the nervous system and potentially lead to convulsions. This connection highlights the intricate relationship between gut health and neurological stability in children.
Emotional Triggers
Strong emotional reactions like fright, anger, or sudden emotional shock can act as precipitating factors for convulsive episodes in susceptible children. These events can overload the child’s delicate nervous system, triggering an episode.
Homeopathic Approach-
A comprehensive understanding of these varied triggers is essential for both the prevention of future occurrences and the precise selection of homeopathic remedies. Each specific cause necessitates a distinct constitutional approach within the framework of homeopathic treatment, aiming to strengthen the child’s inherent vital force and address the root imbalance.
I considered the following rubrics.
Mind Curious
Mind Obstinate Children
Gen Energy Excess of Energy in children
Mind Gestures Makes tics
Gen Convulsions Sudden
Rectum Diarrhoea Suppressed Diarrhoea from
Nose Coryza Suppressed
Mind – Intellectual
I decided to prescribe Zincum met. As it covered the most important four rubrics-
- Hyperactivity in children
- Suppressed discharge/diarrhoea causing disorders
- Nervous Tics
- Sudden convulsions.
Zincum Metallicum: The Nervous System Remedy
Key Characteristics
Zincum Metallicum is primarily indicated for children with marked nervous system sensitivity and restlessness. This remedy addresses convulsions arising from nervous exhaustion, suppressed eruptions, or mental overexertion.
The Zincum child typically exhibits constant motion, particularly of the feet and legs, even during sleep. They may grind their teeth, have rolling movements of the head, and show extreme sensitivity to noise and touch.
The feet are never still; constant motion during sleep” – Classical indication for Zincum Metallicum.
Physical and Mental Profile:
Zincum Met Child
Physical Appearance
Children requiring Zincum Metallicum often present with a pale, anaemic complexion, frequently accompanied by noticeable dark circles under their eyes. They typically have a tendency to be thin and weak, and commonly exhibit cold extremities, reflecting a general constitutional debility.
Mental Characteristics
Mentally, the Zincum Metallicum child is characterized by extreme irritability and a decidedly cross disposition. They experience significant mental fatigue, particularly from study or any prolonged intellectual exertion, leading to a profound aversion to work or mental effort. A notable symptom of their heightened sensitivity is an inability to bear being touched.
Convulsion Patterns
The convulsion patterns associated with Zincum Metallicum are quite distinct. These episodes are frequently preceded by characteristic restless movement of the feet, a key indicator. During the convulsion itself, symptoms include rolling of the eyes upward and grinding of the teeth. Following the episode, the child typically experiences profound post-convulsion exhaustion.
As mentioned in literature, Zincum belongs to the Magnesium group metals, comprising also Cadmium and Glucinum.
As a differential diagnosis, I read the magnesia Carb, Cadmium and Glucinum.
Found some striking features in Mag. Carb.
Magnesia Carbonica: The Digestive-Nervous Connection
Essential Nature
Magnesia Carbonica addresses convulsions with a strong digestive component. This remedy is particularly suited to children whose nervous symptoms arise from gastric disturbances, acidity, or digestive weakness.
The Magnesia Carb child often has a sour smell about them, with digestive complaints accompanying nervous symptoms. Their convulsions frequently occur during teething or when digestive processes are disturbed.
This remedy bridges the gap between digestive health and nervous system stability, making it invaluable for children with combined gastrointestinal and nervous system presentations.
Magnesia Carb Child: Constitutional Picture
The constitutional picture of a child requiring Magnesia Carb is characterised by a specific constellation of digestive, physical, and emotional sensitivities.
Digestive Sensitivity
A key indicator for Magnesia Carb is a marked digestive sensitivity, particularly an inability to properly tolerate milk. This often results in characteristic sour stools and general gastric distress. Along with milk intolerance, they may experience significant bloating and gas formation after eating, demonstrating a particular sensitivity to certain foods that can lead to considerable digestive chaos. This inherent gastrointestinal vulnerability provokes many of their other symptoms.
Physical Weakness
Children needing Magnesia Carb frequently exhibit notable physical weakness and poor muscle tone. They are easily fatigued, experiencing tiredness even after minimal exertion. Recovery from physical activities or illness tends to be slow, highlighting a constitutional lack of vital energy and resilience. This pervasive weakness contributes to their overall delicate state.
Emotional Pattern
The emotional landscape of a Magnesia Carb child is often characterised by anxiety, restlessness, and frequent dissatisfaction. Emotional ups and downs are common and can significantly impact their physical symptoms, suggesting a profound psychosomatic connection where mental and emotional states directly influence bodily manifestations.
I was in a dilemma. What to prescribe?
Zincum or Magnesia?
Understanding the distinct characteristics of convulsions in various homeopathic constitutional types is crucial for selecting effective remedies.
I did the comparative study in the context of convulsive episodes.
The triggers for convulsions often vary significantly between these remedies.
In cases requiring Zincum Metallicum, convulsions are frequently precipitated by nervous exhaustion or the suppression of eruptions. Conversely, for Magnesia Carbonica, digestive disturbances or the process of teething are more common inciting factors.
Before a convulsive episode, specific pre-convulsion signs can be observed. Patients requiring Zincum Metallicum may exhibit restless feet and teeth grinding. In contrast, those needing Magnesia Carbonica typically present with prominent gastric symptoms, often characterised by sourness.
During the episode, the manifestations also differ. Convulsions indicative of Zincum Metallicum are often marked by eye rolling and general body rigidity. For Magnesia Carbonica, convulsions are commonly accompanied by vomiting or other acute gastric upset, highlighting the close connection to digestive dysfunction.
In this case, parents did not observe such eye movement or vomiting, but he had nausea with constipation.
The post-convulsion state provides further differentiation. After an episode, individuals requiring Zincum Metallicum experience extreme exhaustion more than Magnesia Carbonica patients.
Finally, the time pattern of these convulsions can be a critical indicator.
Zincum Metallicum aggravations, including convulsions, often worsen in the evening. In the case of Magnesia Carbonica, convulsive episodes are frequently observed during or shortly after meals, reinforcing the link to digestive processes.
Parents did not remember the exact time of the convulsion.
Extract of the comparison
Zincum Met is good for nervous, restless children with foot movements and mental exhaustion. Magnesia Carb is good for digestively sensitive children with gastric triggers and sourness.
I called the father and asked if there was sour-smelling perspiration. He replied, No, but he has a sour taste in the mouth always, especially when bowels are not clear.
Prescription- Magnesia Carb 200 CH one dose.
Follow up after two months-
Tics controlled. Two episodes of convulsions. Sensitive to milk. I suggested not to consume it.
Prescription- Placebo
Follow up after five months
- Father said, Tic are 70 to 80% better due to your treatment.
- It used to start from the shoulder, and then gradually began in the legs.
- Now he does a chewing gum-like movement.
- He is not so aggressive.
- He can take a stand for himself.
- Previously, there were 10 to 15 jerks in one minute during convulsion when I first met you. Now, around two jerks in one minute.
- I asked about the frequency.
He said, Almost finished.
- I asked to explain percentage-wise. It is my way to understand the recovery.
- He said, 30% remains!
- Means 70% better.
- Prescription-Magnesia Carb 1M one dose.
- I wanted to speed up the recovery, hence increased the potency.
Follow up after seven months-
Father said, When I first visited you, he used to have 20 to 30 tics per minute, but after your treatment, he is now talking and walking without any tics.
I asked about convulsions.
He answered, Not a single convulsion!
- His speech is much better compared to the past. Good progress in school. He answers well. No irrelevant talk.
- In our first interview, he told me that I would kill the terrorist with a gun when I grew up.
- Father said, now his talk is realistic, not imaginary.
- I am so glad with the results. I travel to meet you for 6 hours, around 275 km, every two months! I feel it is really worth it!
- I visited many places for the treatment, but the way you focused on my son, I really feel that he is talking even better than I can!
- He answers so well!
- I love to visit you. Thank you.
- Prescription- Placebo.
Follow up after ten months-
No significant complaint.
I prescribed a Placebo.
Follow up after fourteen months-
Acute fever and cough.
Prescription- Hepar sulph 200 CH one dose.
Follow up after one and a half years-
Put 4 kg of weight. Milk is still a problem. No tics. No convulsions. Occasional constipation.
Prescription- Chenopodium Quinoa mother tincture- 10 drops once a day for two months.
Follow up after two years-
Confident. Energy level is good. No complaints at all!
Conclusion
I just followed up on this case for a long time to be assured of relief from convulsions.
Father himself is a medical doctor. We did not get the changes in the EEG. The report before and after treatment showed abnormal waves.
With Homeopathy, we may not create organic changes, but functional changes are enough to lead a healthy life. For example, in chronic kidney disease, we get no changes in the ultrasound report after treatment, but we can successfully stop dialysis. I own a World Record in my name to reduce Creatinine from 18.92 to 1.42 in just eight days with homeopathy, no dialysis, no hospitalisation.
In the Modern school, convulsions required the pills till the end of life as per protocol. In homeopathy, two doses of one remedy transformed the picture!
Homeopathy Cures!
If I would have prescribed Zincum met, which any homeopath might have done, I would have experienced partial results. If you target the Bull’s eye, CAUSE of the disease,I would prefer to say-‘Cause of the Cause’ you can improve the immunity and personality as a whole. Follow Holistic Healing with Homeopathy!
Dr Kavita Chandak
Email ID: drkavitachandak@gmail.com
Website: http://www.drkavitachandak.com/
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