A 41-year-old female patient consulted for c/o severe hair fall for 10 years, progressively worsening for 5 years. Her complaints started with weight loss and slight hair fall at the vertex. Hair started falling in circular patterns with the patch spreading to the occipital region. Gradually, the patient lost complete hair over the scalp. She had tried various treatments with practically no improvement. She was referred to our rural clinic by a friend. The patient had never taken homeopathic treatment earlier. She entered the overcrowded OPD on a very warm, humid day, with her head fully covered with a scarf. It was obvious that she was extremely uncomfortable in the heat, yet, was very reluctant to take the scarf off even for examination. She said she feels extremely embarrassed of her bald head and has even stopped going out of the home.On Observation: she had an extremely oily, greasy face.As we had only 2 minutes to spare for her (with hundred patients waiting in queue) the rubrics chosen were based on her presenting symptoms and observation.Please see the following rubrics taken:Falling out, hair, alopeciaFalling out, hair, alopecia: Spots, in, alopecia areataExternal:Hair: Falling out: From headTalk, talking, talks: EmbarrassedFace, Greasy
Based on the above rubrics the most obvious remedy was Natrum muriaticum. Administered in 30C potency BD for 1 week followed by SL.
As it was a case of advanced and chronic pathology she was asked to report for detailed case taking after one month of treatment.
First follow up:
The patient is reporting little growth of hair on the patches. She seems more positive now and feels Homoeopathy may help her.
On detailed case taking, the patient stated that her complaints began after the death of her family members. Her father-in-law suddenly died of a stroke while her mother-in-law passed away due to cardiac arrest. The patient experienced shock and took a long time to get over the loss. She has been suffering from continuous hair loss, first on the vertex, and then the whole scalp since then and is practically bald now.
Medical History:
Past History: The patient is mildly anemic, non-diabetic with normal thyroid function.
She was diagnosed with high blood pressure on routine examination 7 years ago and has been on antihypertensives (Telmisartan) since.
Family history:
Both parents are alive. Her mother is healthy but her father had hypertension and extensive vitiligo for 15 years. In addition, her younger sister was just diagnosed with vitiligo, indicating a history of autoimmune disorders in the family.
Physical Generals:
The patient has marked craving for fish. She complains of the dribbling of urine on coughing.
Mind:
The patient is very sensitive, emotional, and highly self-respecting (in her own words). She is extremely sensitive to criticism and weeps when people talk about her physical condition. She has stopped going to the local post office where she worked as a clerk for 10 years. She does not go for social functions and has recently stopped stepping out of the home. She is married with 2 children and has become reclusive with her own family too. She feels guilty about her condition and blames herself for this state.
The rubrics taken now were:
[Mind] shock, emotional, mental ailments from
[Mind]Grief: Ailments from, agg.:
[Mind]Sensitive, mental, oversensitive, emotional, (see Generals, chapter): Reprimands, to:
Conscientious:
[Mind]Sadness:Weeping:With:
[Mind]Embarrassment: Agg., ailments from:
[Generalities]Food and drinks:Fish:Desires:
[Bladder]Involuntary urination: Cough, during:
Natrum Mur again coming up as the most indicated remedy now given 1 M as a single dose. Patient-reported for follow-ups at regular 1-month intervals. Showed significant progressive improvement in Alopecia. Generals are much better. The patient smiles more and on the 4th follow up came with her head uncovered.
Case Management:
With both the approaches, keynote as well as comprehensive, Natrum Mur turned out to be the Similimum and proved to be the most accurate one as observed in the rapidity and the direction of amelioration
Conclusion:
There is nothing morbid in terms of signs and symptoms that will escape the eye of the discerning Homeopathic Physician. Where detailed case taking is difficult, concentrate on the expressions, body language, and the obvious physical signs and symptoms. What troubles the patient the most, must never be missed and that is the key to a successful prescription!
See: ,
NourishDoc doesn’t provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or prescriptions. Read our terms of use, privacy & medical disclaimer for more info
