Cerebellar Degeneration
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 2003 Nov / Dec VOL V NO 6.
Dr C H Asrani
Dr S K Mamagin
'Nat-m
[Editor: From this issue we are giving the general article by
Dr CH Asrani along with the relevant case. We hope this will make more
comprehensive reading.]
General Write-up:
What is Cerebellar Degeneration?
Cerebellar degeneration is a disease process in which neurons in the
cerebellum - that controls muscle coordination and balance - deteriorate and
die. Diseases that cause cerebellar degeneration can also involve areas of the
brain that connect the cerebellum to the spinal cord. Genetic mutations alter
the normal production of specific proteins that are necessary for the survival
of neurons.
Cerebellar degeneration is one of many diseases that produce ataxia-disturbance
of the accuracy and speed of voluntary movement.
Neurological diseases that feature cerebellar degeneration include:
- acute and hemorrhagic stroke
- cerebellar cortical atrophy - progressive degenerative disorders in which cerebellar degeneration is a key feature.
- Friedreich’s ataxia, and other spinocerebellar ataxias, caused by inherited genetic mutations that progressively destroy neurons in the cerebellum, brain stem and spinal cord.
- transmissible spongiform encephalopathies eg "Mad Cow Disease" in which abnormal proteins cause inflammation in the brain, particularly in the cerebellum.
- multiple sclerosis, in which damage to the insulating membrane (myelin) that wraps around and protects nerve cells can involve the cerebellum.
- endocrine diseases that involve the thyroid or the pituitary gland.
- chronic alcohol abuse that leads to temporary or permanent cerebellar damage.
- paraneoplastic disorders in which tumors in other parts of the body produce substances that cause immune system cells to attack neurons in the cerebellum.
The HOMOEPATHIC CASE
Introduction By Dr S K Mamgain: Every homoeopathic physician knows well that homoeopathic prescribing is not based on clinical pathology alone, rather it is based on the personality of the patient. This personality is based on certain factors, viz (1) location (2) sensation (3) modalities (4) concomitant, along with the inherent Miasm and causation, etc.
In the present case there are some factors due to which the detailed history of the case could not be elicited.
(1) The patient being very much handicapped, could not relate himself clearly.
(2) Regular personal rapport was not possible as the patient used to live far and communication was done by post only.
Our Materia Medica is a storehouse of the personalities of drugs and diseases as well. So, based on whatever symptoms were available, I prescribed for him according to my own logic (even though may be a lame one). But my prescriptions worked. Therefore I present this case to demonstrate how homoeopathy works in a difficult situation.
(Just for your information, I use 4 - 5, No 10 size globules saturated in the remedy potency as one dose.)
Dr R Asthana, 43 yr First visit 7 / 3 / 1996.
The patient is a Senior Medical Officer in Punjab, posted at Hoshiarpur, far from my place, hence treatment was continued through post. The patient has Bronchial Asthma since 1973 with attacks precipitated by change of climate. Attack was mostly preceded by acute coryza and sneezing bouts followed by breathlessness < night.
He is also a chronic patient of Amoebiasis passing mainly mucus in stools.
In 1983 he started complaining of awkwardness of speech, many words would be un-intelligible
followed by gradually increasing
awkwardness in gait and movement of the hands. Going up or down the stairs and
getting in and out of the bus became difficult; his writing became very shaky,
even when writing very cautiously, letters would get intermingled. All this was
almost painless.When he visited me on 7/3/1996, he was staggering so much that he could only walk with support of two people. His speech was un-intelligible. The movements of arms and hands were very awkward.
Report Proton NMR imaging of brain and cervical cord done with T1, T2 and proton density SN sequences in axial and sagittal planes:
There is evidence of cerebellar degeneration with prominent folia. Dilated 4th ventricle and giant cisterna magna seen. No focal lesion/abnormal signal intensity seen in brain parenchyma. Junction and cervical cord normal. (I simply copied the report as it is)
Impression: Findings consistent with cerebellar degeneration.
No associated pathology in brain parenchyma seen.
The Finding were with PGI Chandigarh, However the findings, informed was as under:
- All the jerks were exaggerated.
- Finger nose test was negative.
- Dysdiodokinesis, positive.
- Speech - scanning type.
- Straight line test - positive.
- Great mental depression.
- Sleepless nights.
- Legs/ feet remain cold.
- Feels aggravation in all the complaints during change of weather.
- Temperament very irritable.
