Observational prospective study of homeopathic treatment in patients attending the cephalalgia clinic of Athens General Hospital "G.Gennimatas"

G.Vithoulkas,S.Kivellos, J. Papatriantafyllou, K.Papilas, K.E.Karagerorgiou
International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, Alonissos Greece
Headache Clinic & Neurological Department, Athens General Hospital "G.Gennimatas"

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Homeopathy trials of migraine prevention have yielded inconclusive results, partly due to different practice among various schools. We performed an observational prospective study of classical homeopathy in patients attending the Headache Clinic.

METHODS

Forty-two consecutive patients who attended the clinic while one of the authors was available were assigned to receive homeopathic treatment, according to the principles recommended by the I.A.C.H. and G.Vithoulkas. Further evaluation by a neurologist was performed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Primary and secondary measures of migraine severity and impact on quality of life were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients opted only for homeopathic treatment until the completion of the study - aged ( mean±SD) 34±12 years, with a baseline HIT-6 score of 65±4. Significant improvement was recorded after 6-months (HIT-6 48±8, P<0.0009 vs baseline, Wilcoxon signed ranks test), which was further established at 12-months (HIT-6 41.2±7, P<0.0009 vs 6-months). Eighteen patients had been previously administered TCAs or antiepileptics for sufficient time (at least 18 months) without remarkable improvement. A difference in HIT-6 score between those 'resistant' to previous therapy and 'new' patients was found at six months (51.5±7 vs 44.5±7, respectively, P=0.01, Mann- Whitney test), but not at baseline (64±4 vs 66±3.8) or after 12 months (41.6±8 vs 40.6±5.3). Migraine severity (VAS) decreased by 72% and frequency by 81% at 12 months (P<0.0001 for both comparisons vs baseline). Mood and self-confidence were consistently higher at 6 and 12 months (Verbal Analogue Scale score 2.3±1.1 vs 3.9±0.7, P<0.001). Observed potential 'adverse effects' on all 42 patients were an initial "aggravation" of migraine symptoms in 69%, recurrence of past medical diseases (e.g. infections, eczema) in 33%, temporary emotional instability in 59% of patients.

CONCLUSION

These results compare favorably with other modalities of migraine treatment, so that we strongly support that homeopathy, as applied in this context, warrants further research with an appropriately designed RCT.

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