Government Officer Finds Relief with Homeopathy in Trigeminal Neuralgia

A 52-year-old male from Karnataka (Patient ID: 53298) registered online with the complaint of persistent facial pain suggestive of trigeminal neuralgia. The patient was having pain that was dull and continuous, beginning near the left ear and radiating towards the left temple. This was frequently followed by a one-sided headache. The pain was strictly localized to the left side and had been present for approximately six months. However, over the last 3–4 months, it had gradually worsened in both frequency and intensity. The patient has been experiencing 4–5 episodes per day, each episode lasting between 30 seconds and 2 minutes. Although the pain was of moderate intensity, it was distressing due to its recurrent nature and increasing sensitivity. It was particularly aggravated by cold air, motion, travel, and external pressure. Even minimal activities such as talking, chewing, brushing teeth, or a slight touch over the left side of the face would trigger or worsen the pain. Early morning pain was especially difficult, with more intense attacks.

Past History: Fifteen days prior to starting homeopathic treatment, he had started Oxcarbazepine 150 mg once daily, prescribed to manage his trigeminal neuralgia.

Investigations: Brain MRI

A brain MRI done on 12th August 2023 showed a vascular loop in contact with the cisternal segment of the left trigeminal nerve, indicating a classic case of neurovascular conflict—a known anatomical cause of trigeminal neuralgia.
Associated disease:

He also had a history of Diabetes Mellitus for the past 1.5 years, managed with oral hypoglycemics, and a past episode of Hepatitis B in 2018, for which no active symptoms were present at the time of case recording.

Family History: His father was hypertensive and diabetic, and his mother also had diabetes, indicating a strong hereditary component for metabolic conditions.

Physical Generals: The patient had an average build and consumed a mixed diet. He has a strong craving for meat and fruits while showing aversion to spicy and sour food items. His thirst was adequate, at around two liters per day. He was ambithermal in nature, tolerating both hot and cold temperatures fairly well. Despite occasional ineffective straining during stools, his bowel movements were otherwise regular. He was taking a sound and refreshing sleep.

The patient was a government officer by profession, with a structured and disciplined work life. His spouse was also employed in the government sector.

Mental and Emotional Sphere: The patient presented as confident, expressive, and articulate. However, he had a marked tendency toward irritability and was easily angered. He had a talkative nature, which helped convey his symptoms clearly and precisely. 

Follow-ups:
First Follow-up (27th March 2024): The patient was overall stable in his symptoms. The pain episodes had not increased, and he continued to experience the same dull, aching pain from the left ear to the temple. There was no worsening, but relief was not yet significant. He was advised to continue Oxcarbazepine 150 mg OD while continuing homeopathic treatment.
Second Follow-up (28th August 2024): The patient had significant improvement. Pain episodes had subsided entirely over the past few weeks, and the region near the ear and temple was no longer hypersensitive. He could talk, chew, and brush without triggering pain. He was still taking Oxcarbazepine 150 mg OD, but for the first time in months, he was symptom-free.
Third Follow-up (21st February 2025): The patient has been completely free of all symptoms. There was no recurrence of pain or discomfort. He could carry out all daily functions without limitations. Given the sustained improvement, the dosage of Oxcarbazepine was reduced to 150 mg on alternate days.
Latest Follow-up (20th April 2025): The patient remained symptom-free, with no recurrence of pain and no discomfort on talking, chewing, brushing, or with touch. He continued Oxcarbazepine 150 mg on alternate days, with a plan to taper further if improvement persisted. The response to homeopathic support was not only significant but also sustained over time.
Conclusion:

This case shows that the patient exhibited significant and sustained improvement in trigeminal neuralgia symptoms with homeopathic support, allowing for the gradual tapering of conventional medication. Over time, the intensity and frequency of episodes reduced to the point of complete remission, demonstrating the potential efficacy of individualized homeopathic intervention in managing chronic neuralgic conditions.

- Case written by Dr. Shreya Hedaoo,an associate Doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom.)