Homoeopathy in the management of headache and migraine – A narrative review

Abstract

Background: Homeopathy appears scientifically implausible and is one of the most contentious CAM therapies. The purpose of this review is to summarise the treatment effects of homoeopathy in migraine. There will be no disease if there is no definite cause. The disease's nature will follow the cause, and the effect will make the person sick. The effects and the sick person will be treated in a straightforward and understandable manner. Migraine is the result of the cause, and the well-known Homoeopathic medicine can produce better results on this ailment when used in conjunction with the presence of the symptoms. This study is to search the well-known, rare medicine and its efficacy in such condition which is described in different literature as well as different research study. There are wide ranges of Homoeopathic medicines considered as rare remedies on the basis of paucity of symptoms and large number of medicine with rare symptoms representing the uniqueness when selected on the basis of totality. During practising Homoeopathic physician requires well-known medicine as well as rare medicine that helps to management of migraine.

Methods: Relevant studies were identified by a comprehensive literature search in electronic databases, reference list of relevant papers, and contacts with experts. Randomized controlled trials comparing individualized homeopathic treatment strategy with placebo were eligible. Information on patients, methods, interventions, outcomes, and results was extracted in a standardized manner and quality was assessed using a checklist and scoring system.

Results: Six papers met criteria for inclusion. Three out of the six papers studied migraine headache, two studied cervicogenic and tension type headache, and one included all types of headaches. Four studies were randomized clinical trials, and two were prospective observational studies. Validity scores ranged from 25.0% to 63.4%. Homeopathy was superior to placebo in one randomized clinical trial and equal to placebo in three randomized trials. In no study was homeopathy less effective than placebo in treating headache, or harmful. Two prospective observational studies demonstrated improvement in patients receiving homeopathic care.

Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of homeopathy for managing tension type, cervicogenic, or migraine headache. The studies reviewed possessed several flaws in design. Given these findings, further research is warranted to better investigate the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment of headaches. (J Chiropr Med 2004; 3:45–52)