SIDE EFFECT: NARCOLEPSY

It is reported in the Norwegian news today about children suffering from narcolepsy after receiving the flu vaccine pandemrix last winter. The state health ministry confirms the facts, and adds that it is more serious than expected..

The definition of narcolepsy is as follows: "A disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable, though often brief, attack of deep sleep, sometimes accompanied by paralysis and hallucinations."

From a homeopathic point of view, there are some issues that we have to look at carefully when we are analyzing this case. First of all, we need to look at remedies that are known to be needed where there is aggravations after vaccination. Secondly, we need to look at the constitution of this patient, which probably leads us to a remedy which is prone to develop symptoms such as the ones present in the narcolepsy diagnosis. Thirdly, we might want to prescribe a remedy for the patient suffering from narcolepsy a constitutional remedy, but often - in these cases - we first chose an acute remedy, specific for the situational symptoms, such as overpowering sleepiness, and then follow up with the patients constitutional remedy.

Two homeopathic medicines that might be considered helpful in narcolepsy cases are:

1. OPIUM. Homeopathic opium is indicated where we see a patient who is in a state of confusion, somnolence and dullness, and it is commonly used in neurological conditions such as narcolepsy, convulsions, delirium and strokes. Homeopathic opium can also be used in acute conditions like stupor and coma caused by shock/fright. One interesting symptom we often see in these patients is a painlessness (anesthesia) of normally painful complaints. The respiration is slow, noisy and obstructed, often there will be snoring. The sleep is heavy, stuporous and difficult to disturb.

2. NUX MOSCHATA. The central features of the nux moschata patient is confusion and drowsiness. This mental picture can occur acutely following infection, allergy, shock, etc. or as part of a constitutional condition. Often the patient has a marked mental dullness or stupefaction and often we see a weak memory and confusion which results in an absentmindedness. Especially when mental confusion or haziness is associated with sleepiness we must consider this remedy.

As always I do not recommend you to start a homeopathic treatment without consulting your local homeopathic practitioner. Finding the correct remedy for your symptoms - after a thorough analyzes by your homeopath - is vital if you are looking for a true cure.