http://internalmedicine.medscape.com/reuters/prof/1999/11/11.17/cl11179r.ht ml Homeopathy Seems No Better Than Placebo in Preventing Migraine WESTPORT, Nov 17 (Reuters Health) - A review of the literature indicates that homeopathic prophylaxis of migraine and other headaches is no more effective than placebo. A systemic review was conducted by UK investigator, Dr. Edzard Ernst of the University of Exeter, in which he examined studies of homeopathic prophylaxis for migraine and other headache types. Dr. Ernst used four databases to conduct independent computerized literature searches for randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Four studies were identified, all of which included migraine patients. A variety of homeopathic remedies, such as belladonna, cyclamen, gelsemium and sulfur, were administered in different potencies. "All studies were read in full," he reports in the November issue of the Journal of Pain Symptom Management. "The results of each trial were taken as published and no reevaluation was attempted." Overall, Dr. Ernst found "...no compelling evidence to suggest that individualized homeopathic treatment is more effective than placebo in the prevention of migraine or headache attacks." However, "[t]he paucity of trials is disappointing and limits the validity of this statement." Dr. Ernst therefore believes that any final judgement is still premature. J Pain Symptom Manage 1999;18:353-357. Copyright © 1999 Reuters Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright © 1994-1999 by Medscape Inc. All rights reserved. This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
