HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF HEADACHES AND MIGRAINE: A META-ANALYSIS OF THE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Authors

  • SAHA SUBHRANIL Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Govt. of India
  • KOLEY MUNMUN Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Govt. of India

Abstract

Background: Homeopathy seems scientifically implausible and is the most controversial forms of CAM therapies. This review aims to summarize treatment effects of individualized homeopathy in headaches and migraine.

Methods: Relevant studies were identified by a comprehensive literature search in electronic databases, reference list of relevant papers, and contacts with experts. Randomized controlled trials comparing individualized homeopathic treatment strategy with placebo were eligible. Information on patients, methods, interventions, outcomes, and results was extracted in a standardized manner and quality was assessed using a checklist and scoring system. Trials providing sufficient data were pooled in a quantitative meta-analysis. Risk ratio above 1 indicated benefit. Bias effects were examined in funnel plot model.

Results: A total of four randomized placebo-controlled trials involving 390 patients were considered for the analysis. Methodological quality of the trials was variable. The combined risk ratio for the four studies entered into the meta-analysis was 1.58 (95% CI 0.8 to 3.1) [when corrected for publication bias it becomes 0.98 (0.5, 1.9), i.e. negative], showing positive trend, but no statistically significant difference in favor of homeopathy.

Conclusion: The results of our meta-analysis are not compatible with the notion that homeopathy has significant effect beyond placebo. However, the evidences are not convincing because of methodological inconsistencies and are too insufficient to arrive at a definite conclusion. Further replications are warranted provided the trials are rigorous and systematic.

Systematic review registration number: CRD42013004714; date May 29, 2013 [PROSPERO]

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Author Biographies

SAHA SUBHRANIL, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Govt. of India

Senior Research Fellow

KOLEY MUNMUN, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Govt. of India

Senior Research Fellow

Published

01-08-2013

How to Cite

SUBHRANIL, S., and K. MUNMUN. “HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT OF HEADACHES AND MIGRAINE: A META-ANALYSIS OF THE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS”. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, vol. 6, no. 7, Aug. 2013, pp. 194-9, https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ajpcr/article/view/112.

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