A Ray of Hope: Rare Genetic Disease Managed with Homeopathy!

Mrs.RJ, a 28-year-old homemaker from Daund, Pune (Patient ID: 52634) visited Life Force on 24th September 2023 for treatment of the rare genetic disease Hallervorden-Spatz Disease which was diagnosed in 2021.

Hallervorden-Spatz disease (HSD- (now referred to as PKAN - Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration) is a rare genetic disorder that is characterized by progressive neurological dysfunction and loss of memory (dementia)with signs of progressive loss of vision, and speech, then hearing, down to deceleration. The age of onset is usually between the first month and 15 years of life.

Her primary complaints were stiffness of the neck and slurring of speech. Initially, in 2021, she complained of minor neck discomfort and occasional speech difficulty. Over the months her complaints worsened and there was rapid deterioration within two years of diagnosis. She developed cervical dystonia severe muscle contractions in the neck causing stiffness and abnormal postures. The persistent slurred speech started affecting clarity and communication. She developed problems with consuming both solids and liquids. She also complained of intermittent shaking, primarily in the upper limbs. Her disease was progressing very rapidly and the patient was suffering miserably to such an extent that she could not do any of her day-to-day activities at all; she was unable to perform basic household chores. There was increased frustration due to the loss of independence; she suffered from anxiety and depression due to disease progression. The social withdrawal was seen; she started avoiding meeting others due to speech and physical limitations.

She was taking Tab. Syndopa 110 mg OD (Levodopa & Carbidopa) for a year before starting alternative treatments. The complaints remained persistent, no significant improvement was seen and the disease showed relentless progression despite treatment.

In the past, no prior neurological disorders were reported.

- Investigations:

- Date 10.2.2021: MRI Report

- An MRI brain shows symmetrical areas in bilateral globus pallid as described as s/o pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration(pkan) Previously it was known as hallervorden-spatz disease.

The patient was staying in a joint family with her husband, and two children, father-in-law, and mother-in-law. The husband was employed in a private job, often away from home for work. Father-in-law was a farmer, contributing to family income but with limited household involvement. So the patient was the main caregiver and responsible for most household chores, the patient had to be very active to do her regular household chores. With the fear of complete immobility and dependence patient started exploring options for advanced care and possible trials and with a lot of hope, she came to Life Force Homeopathy.

Based on her case details CARCINOSIN 30 was prescribed.

Follow-ups:

On her First Follow-up on November 23, the patient was better by 10%, with improvement noticed in her stiffness and neck pain, and slurred speech was also reduced.

A subsequent follow-up in January noted that complaints were stable, with no further increase in complaints, and improvement was only 10%, as noted in the previous follow-up.

Major improvements of around 25-30% were experienced in 3rd follow-up in February 2024; where the patient was able to swallow solid foods which was completely unable to before starting treatment; the patient was so happy that she broke into tears while narrating this during her visit follow up; as it had been a while since she ate any solid food or was able to chew any food of her choice. Also, the stiffness in the neck was reduced to such an extent that the patient who was initially unable to see her shoulder due to cervical dystonia and neck stiffness could see her shoulder with few neck movements.

The patient still has her ongoing treatment with Life Force Homoeopathy where there are no complaints of stiffness of the neck or pain, and no difficulty in swallowing; but still has slurred speech with drooling of saliva from the mouth due to the pull of facial muscles on the right side.

Conclusion:

This case is an exemplary example where homeopathy has proved its efficacy over and above in difficult and rare genetic diseases like Hallervorden-Spatz Disease and the patient has benefitted gradually but with the positivity of having sustained improvement in her case.