I just spoke with a friend whose husband, about 77, is having excruciating pain in his left cheek. The doctor tells them that it is tic delaru(sp), a kind of facial neuralgia. 20 years ago the man had surgery for the same problem and had no problems until now. He is taking narcotic painkillers and sleeps most of the time. The pain seems to be spasmotic. He can't chew or eat. He mostly sits very still when awake. I don't know of any other symptoms. Another surgery is unlikely because of other medical problems. Can homeopathy help him? I'm looking forward to reading your responses. Thanks. Kathy

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Kathy

Kathy,

Having to keep very still and being worse chewing or any motion makes me think of Bryonia. I would try that, also Belladonna comes up as well. Actually, there are a lot of remedies for this, but try Bryonia 30C and see what happens.

Snoopy

Homoeopathy can definitely help him Kathy. Its the constitutional that works best in Tic Doloreaux.

But you could give him an acute and see how it helps. Snoopy gave some good suggestions, but it would help to get a more detailed specific picture about the type of sensation, movement of pain, modalities and any concomittiant.

Regards,
doctorleela

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http://www.homeopathy2health.com

Dear Snoopy and Dr. Leelah--Thanks for your posts. I read both of Snoopy's remedy suggestions in Clarke and realized that both could be it but that I didn't, as Dr. Leelah said, have enough particulars. I asked my friend, not her husband, but her observations are probably right on the money. They've been married forever.
The pain starts gradually with a tic in the mandible, gradually increasing over a couple of weeks and moving to the cheek. The pain is described as "feeling as if it will explode." Ice applied to the cheek relieves the pain slightly. The pain is worse in the morning, worst upon arising. Sitting still is a necessity because moving makes the pain worse. The pain is now full-blown and unrelenting. Appetite is good but he can't chew. All other bodily functions are normal, no changes, no other discomfort.

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Kathy

Dear Kathy,

Common sense would tend to lead us to Bryonia--which is < movement and > cold applications; but that said, I'm intrigued by the remedy Spigelia, which is a remedy for left-sided facial neuralgia with severe pains.

Another remedy with facial neuralgia > cold applications, is Coffea.

Since you may not have spigelia, why not start with bryonia and try the other two if Bryonia doesn't work?

Keep us informed,
Snoopy

Hi Snoopy, As always, you're right on the job. I just read about Spigelia and it sure does sound like it's very close. If I were to order it from a nearby homeopathic pharmacy, how do you recommend I tell Bill (the man with face pain) to take it? Thanks.

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Kathy

For the symptoms posted I think Bryonia is a more likely suitable opening remedy than Spig, but perhaps the person posting has more insight into the case than is posted.

REf para 195 Organon, the patient will need follow-up treatment, so it would be best to find a good local homoeopath to take on the case, since this appears to be a flare up of latent psora, which could re-occur if not treated beyond the acute.

Dear Kathy,

Well, we now have 2 votes for Bryonia. I'd put Bryonia 30C in water--let's say a small Evian bottle and shake it up, and pour an ounce or two into a disposable cup, drink, and throw the cup away. Prior to the next dose, assuming there's no aggravation, approximately 4 hours later, succuss 10 times (pound the bottle into the opposite palm)
to raise the potency. Try three doses several hours apart, and if no improvement is noticed after 3 doses, I would assume that the remedy is not going to work. I might even wait until day 2 to come to that conclusion. Then, I think I'd start another remedy.

I would order a spigelia 30C.

Good luck,

Snoopy

Spigelia is always a better option for Tic Doloreoux, and many symptoms fit.

Doctorleela

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http://www.homeopathy2health.com

Hello. Thanks to everyone who posted. I tell all my friends how helpful and caring you all are.
Snoopy and Dr. Leela--The Spigelia should arrive tomorrow. I'll give one 30c dose in water. After that I'll need further guidance. I do hope that Bill gets relief. Blessings on all of you. Kathy

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Kathy