Homeopathy for Children with Neurological Challenges: ADD/HD & Tic Disorders. Sharon Herzfeld, M.D.

Transcription

1 Homeopathy for Children with Neurological Challenges: ADD/HD & Tic Disorders Sharon Herzfeld, M.D.

2 What is Homeopathic Neurology? n Applying Homeopathic Principles for Understanding and Treating Neurologic Challenges to Achieve Comfort, Function and Healing. n Considers the whole person rather than identifying someone by their diagnosis. n Respect for the human body s capacity for repair.

3 Neurological Disorders n Autism, Communication and Processing Disorders n Attention Deficit Disorder n Anxiety and Mood Disorders n Tic Disorders and Tourettes Syndrome n Movement Disorders n Headaches & Pain Syndromes, Neuropathy, Dysesthesias n Cerebral Palsy, Strokes and Spasticity n Autoimmune Disorders & Degenerative Diseases n Trauma and Post Concussive Syndrome

4 Foundation of Holistic Approach n Homeopathy n Nourishment n Vitamins n Supplements n Omega 3 s: EPA & DHA

5 Why Treat Neurological Issues With Homeopathy? n Deleterious and Dangerous Side Effect Profiles of Allopathic medications, especially in children with developing nervous systems n Limited success of alleviating symptoms through allopathic medicine alone n Healing elusive or unattainable

6

7 Homeopathy What do we explain to parents? n Each person has their own unique homeopathic map n Individualized homeopathic plan emerges from homeopathic interview and evaluating the whole person n Each person will have different prescription, no two patients will have exactly the identical prescription n This is a journey, not a quick fix

8 Attention Deficit Disorder n With or without hyperactivity n Inattentive type often missed n May have co-morbid disorders: OCD, ODD, Anxiety & Sensory Integration dysfunction n May have associated disorders of perceptual development, auditory or visual processing n Neurocognitive Testing helpful in clarifying learning issues

9 Attention Deficit Disorder n Homeopathic medicine chosen to address both symptomatic and chronic states n Combination of homeopathic medicines often important n Mindful nourishment essential

10 ADD/ADHD NB is a seven year old right handed girl referred for evaluation of ADD/ADHD by her neuropsychologist. NB was tested after school requested neurocognitive evaluation with goal of medication. Testing revealed highly intelligent and anxious child with intermittent difficulty staying on task.

11 ADD/HD NB was conceived to 48 year old mom via implanted donor egg using father s sperm; pregnancy and delivery were uneventful. All early childhood developmental milestones met on time. There is a positive paternal family history of ADD/ HD.

12 ADD/ADHD n NB attended private preschool with positive social interactions and was not identified by parents or school to having any difficulties until first grade. n At time of referral, NB described as having difficulty sitting still, sensory seeking behavior in touching objects or not respecting personal boundaries. NB enjoys group activity but has recently become extremely anxious.

13 ADD/ADHD Past Medical History: healthy child with one episode of Molloscum (resolved) and Strep. NB is not sensitive to temperature, smell, light, tastes, textures NB is sensitive to certain types of sounds, prefers tidy environment and is offended by messy older sibling but she does not hold grudges and is not impulsive.

14 ADD/HD n NB: frequent meltdowns at school and home, especially when frustrated that her work is not turning out the way she would like or when she needs to move around but is required to stay in her chair. n NB prefers salt over sweet, likes everything in order, is a closed, dignified and responsible student but has trouble staying on task with homework and school work that she does not find interesting.

15 ADD/HD n On evaluation, NB s working memory, visual perceptual capacity, eye contact, language processing and neurological physical examination were all normal. n NB preferred moving around and found it difficult to sit in chair. NB states she loves music and dancing. She takes ballet and tap classes after school and plays Viola. n Mom reports school makes her feel bad about herself.

16 Choosing Homeopathic Remedies n The main guiding features for beginning homeopathic treatment for NB: n 1. Hyperkinesis n 2. Anxiety n 3. Distracted by sounds not in her control but seeking music and dancing n 4. Extreme Frustration n Impaired self esteem

17 Treatment Daily AM & PM: Tarantula Hispana 30C 3 pellets Saturday only: Staphysagria 200K 10 pellets

18 Why? n Tarantula Hispana is excellent for children and adults who have difficulty focusing and sitting still, seeking movement, they are often anxious and love music and dancing. n Essential to be sensitive that when we improve focus we might also increase frustration. NB already frustrated and aware of things being harder for her. n Staphysagria excellent for balancing frustration

19 Six Week Follow up Follow up at 6 weeks: Improved focus and frustration tolerance, no meltdowns at school or home, improved attention in class and homework. On follow up exam, NB was more present and on task but strikingly closed and quiet. Staphysagria replaced with Natrum Muriaticum 1M 10 pellets once a week.

20 Neurological Challenges n For all children with ADD/HD it is imperative to assess associated challenges including sleep wake cycle dysfunction, anxiety and frustration and the impact of ADD/HD on all aspects of life from engaging in appropriate peer relationships, learning and processing, family dynamics and understanding how these challenges can deleteriously impact self esteem. n Anxiety and self esteem intertwined with potential for oppositional stance and avoidance behaviors

21 ADD/ADHD n Depending upon conception, birth, developmental and medical history other remedies might have been chosen. n Exposure to chemicals in conception and pregnancy directly linked to ADD/HD. n Carboneum Sulphuratum helpful post chemical exposure from conception & fetal development in children with attention deficit and significant developmental delays with complicated conception and birth histories.

22 ADD + HD I, F, D ADD/ Int Dist Anx Cog Cloud Opp Beh Agg Choosing ADD/HD Medicines Sleep Issues SPD/ SN T. Hisp /- +/- Nux V Merc. Sol Hyosc Nig + + +/- +/- +

23 ADD + HD I, F, D ADD/ Int Dist Anx Cog Cloud Opp Beh Agg Sleep Issues SPD/ SN Helleb Nig Kali Brom Stram Lach M. + +

24 Nosodes for ADD/HD Powerful treatment for children with ADD/HD, especially in children who have chronic infections & illness Tuberculinum: hyperactive, irritable, can be malicious, often aggressive and violent, anxious, stubborn, disobedient, afraid of animals, usually cold sensitive, difficulty concentrating. Medorrhinum: pushing boundaries and loving extremes, aggressive behavior, violent temper, chronic ENT issues, loves the beach.

25

26 Negativity & ODD n Associated with ADD/HD, Autism and processing challenges n Behavioral symptoms reflect deeper emotional and impaired executive function n Homeopathic remedies in conjunction with behavioral supports effective for oppositional, defiant and frustration behaviors.

27 Homeopathic Treatment for ADD/HD with Oppositional Behaviors n Mercurius Solubilis n Hyoscyamus Niger n Anacardium Orientale n Medorrhinum n Veratrum Album

28 Homeopathic Treatment for ADD/HD n Ultimate goal of treatment is for children to become more available and functional in all aspects of life. n By helping children become more available for learning and more present, they can gain skills, insight and tools to flourish. n Homeopathy is opportunity to create culture of mindfulness.

29

30 Tic Disorders n Involuntary movements, may be simple muscle twitch or complex movements of multiple muscle groups n May involve eye blinking (blepharospasm), nose twitching or facial spasms n Tics often manifested in clusters or flurries n Vocalizations, nose clearing/sniffing considered tics n May be associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder and Anxiety Disorders

31 Tic Disorders n Involuntary Cheshire Cat smile, grimacing, eye blinking n Neck & shoulder movements n May have associate compulsions and negative thoughts n Tics may be suppressed or exacerbated n Association with Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal infections n Tics may peak or increase with seasonal allergies

32 Treatment of Tics n Homeopathy very effective n Must evaluate & treat underlying anxiety n If history of recurrent Strep, homeopathic prophylaxis with Streptococcinum 9C 10 pellets weekly. n Mindfulness that tics often change in form, ask about new tics, behaviors, thoughts

33 Homeopathy for Tics AS is an 8 year old left handed boy suffering from tics and anxiety for many years. The tics have changed in form, most current manifestation was writhing neck movements and intermittent facial twitching. Most recently AS has become explosive at home.

34 AS born via normal conception and easy pregnancy and delivery to 35 year old healthy parents. AS reported to be gassy from birth with very sensitive rashy skin, intermittent constipation and insomnia. AS is generally healthy and has not had strep infections

35 AS physically colder and cold sensitive. Developmental milestones were notable for speech delay and slower language processing. His brother has autism and his father is a musician with ADHD and learning issues.

36 AS bullied by one of his classmates who continues to threaten him physically and verbally. At our first session, AS describes his deep anger and resentment towards this boy, saying he will never forgive him. AS scared to attend school and has developed intense anxiety. AS is also noted to be impatient and irritable.

37 AS is reported by mom to love sweets, have a huge appetite, is sensitive to his environment and does not like sports or moving around. AS s neurological examination was notable for intermittent writhing neck movements and occasional facial grimacing but otherwise normal function.

38 Homeopathic Remedies for Tics Daily in AM & PM Lachnanthes Tinctoria 30C 3 pellets Agaricus Muscarius 9C 3 pellets Lycopodium 7C 3 pellets Gelsemium 30C 3 pellets Saturday only: Nux Vomica 10M 10 pellets

39 Six Week Follow Up Session Anxiety and Tics resolved More confident Improved mood, no further explosive outbursts, more patient and less resentful, irritability resolved Improved digestive function

40 Homeopathy for Tic Disorders: Treat underlying anxiety: Gelsemium Argentum Nitricum Tics peaking during allergy season: Add Histaminum 9C 10 pellets once a day Evaluate which medicine for which movement: Agaricus Muscarius Lycopodium Cuprum Metallicum Lachnanthes Tinctoria

41 Eye Blinking Facial Twitch/ Grimace Neck Writhing Abd Muscles Seasonal Allergies Devel Delay Anxiety Agaricus Musc /- Lycop Clav /- + Cuprum Met /- Lachn Tinct ++ Mygale Las +/- ++

42 OCD n Deep challenge in neuropsychopharmacology n May have associated neural circuitry disorders including Attention Deficit Disorder, Tic Disorders and ASD n Onset may occur after Strep infections, especially in children with genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders n Homeopathy effective in many patients

43

44 Nourishment, Homeopathy & Neurology: Feed the Brain! Homeopathy most effective in framework of treating whole child Food coloring, sugar, excessive carbohydrates, chemical additives and poor protein intake will undermine treatment

45 ADD/HD, Tics & Anxiety n Children with anxiety often diagnosed with ADD. n Anxiety increases tics and exacerbates movement disorders n Homeopathic remedies effective for anticipation and reactive anxieties, panic disorders and phobias. n Identify remedies to address anxiety and attention.

46

47 Treating Whole Child Includes Treating the Parents n Children perceptive of parental anxiety. n Important to establish and create calm environments for children to mirror internal calm and self regulation n Children and Parents need tool box when feeling overwhelmed in order to scaffold their children and model what calm looks and feels like, especially for children when it is not intuitive. n Parents need methods to process their own anxiety about tics and to support their children feeling calm and positive.

48 Acknowledgements I would like to thank the following physicians who have served as my teachers and mentors: n Dr. Rebecca Elmaleh, through transforming my own children s health inspired my journey to study and practice homeopathy and holistic medicine. n Dr. Ron Boyer, director of the CEDH and professor of homeopathy par excellence provided me with the foundation to practice homeopathy and is always there when I need him. n Thank You!

49