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

Abstract

Background: Treatment of infantile spasms (ISs) with allopathic medicines along with homoeopathy 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 homoeopathic 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 homoeopathic 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: Homoeopathy plays a positive role in seizures in IS patients. More multicentric, randomized trials are required to make conclusions.