Homoeopathy in the Treatment of Post-Stroke Complications: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Background Long-term muscular and neuropsychiatric complications are common in stroke survivors. The main aim of therapeutic modalities for such cases is to limit the extent of disabilities and subsequent increase in the activity of daily living. Every case is different in pathology and manifestation, so requires an individualistic approach. Case A 63-year-old man presented with right upper limb weakness, dysarthria and memory weakness after stroke. He had been undergoing conventional physical rehabilitation therapy but due to feasibility issues, he could not continue and opted for homoeopathic treatment. Following a thorough clinical and psychological evaluation, he was treated with homoeopathic medicines tailored to his specific needs. The Medical Research Council scale for muscle power, the Modified Ashworth Scale for muscle spasticity and the Stroke Impact Scale for quality of life after stroke were used to assess outcomes at various time points. Different physical and cognitive domains showed gradual improvement. Conclusion This case demonstrates the complexities of clinical outcomes following a stroke and how those can be improved through the individualistic approach of homoeopathy. Nevertheless, a firm conclusion regarding causal attribution cannot be drawn from a single case, but a detailed clinical approach may be followed. Large-sample randomised controlled trials are impractical for the individualised approach of therapy or complex clinical conditions; thus, the ‘n-of-1’ trial may be adopted in the long run.