Homeopatic treatments in cerebral palsy – Fact or fiction?
Journal
Timişoara Physical Education and Rehabilitation Journal
Date Issued
2025-07
Author(s)
Denis Arsovski
DOI
10.2478/tperj-2025-0012
Abstract
Introduction. Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurological disorder that impacts motor and functional development of the
affected children. While physiotherapy and pharmacologic interventions remain standard, families explore homeopathy as a
complementary option. This review examines the current evidence supporting the use of homeopathy in pediatric cerebral
palsy rehabilitation.
Aims. To assess the quality, safety, and reported effects of homeopathic treatments in children with cerebral palsy and
determine whether such approaches can be integrated into rehabilitative practice.
Material and method. A systematic literature review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews
and meta-analysis. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Eligibility
criteria were specified using the PICOS framework, with particular emphasis on pediatric populations diagnosed with cerebral
palsy who received either personalized or complex homeopathic interventions. Out of 257 initial records, 46 studies met
inclusion criteria for narrative synthesis. Due to methodological heterogeneity, no meta-analysis was performed.
Results. Frequent reports cited improvements in muscle tone, sleep, appetite, emotional regulation, and behavioral outcomes.
Common remedies included Calcarea phosphorica, Belladonna, Stramonium, and Zincum metallicum. However, most findings
originated from case reports and observational studies with limited methodological rigor. Risks include delayed access to
evidence-based treatment and variable remedy quality.
Conclusion. While some families and clinicians notice benefits from homeopathy, the current evidence base lacks the rigor
necessary to recommend it as proven alternative therapy for cerebral palsy. High-quality randomized controlled trials are
urgently needed. Until then, homeopathy should be approached with caution and only within integrative care models under
clinical supervision.
affected children. While physiotherapy and pharmacologic interventions remain standard, families explore homeopathy as a
complementary option. This review examines the current evidence supporting the use of homeopathy in pediatric cerebral
palsy rehabilitation.
Aims. To assess the quality, safety, and reported effects of homeopathic treatments in children with cerebral palsy and
determine whether such approaches can be integrated into rehabilitative practice.
Material and method. A systematic literature review was conducted following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews
and meta-analysis. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Eligibility
criteria were specified using the PICOS framework, with particular emphasis on pediatric populations diagnosed with cerebral
palsy who received either personalized or complex homeopathic interventions. Out of 257 initial records, 46 studies met
inclusion criteria for narrative synthesis. Due to methodological heterogeneity, no meta-analysis was performed.
Results. Frequent reports cited improvements in muscle tone, sleep, appetite, emotional regulation, and behavioral outcomes.
Common remedies included Calcarea phosphorica, Belladonna, Stramonium, and Zincum metallicum. However, most findings
originated from case reports and observational studies with limited methodological rigor. Risks include delayed access to
evidence-based treatment and variable remedy quality.
Conclusion. While some families and clinicians notice benefits from homeopathy, the current evidence base lacks the rigor
necessary to recommend it as proven alternative therapy for cerebral palsy. High-quality randomized controlled trials are
urgently needed. Until then, homeopathy should be approached with caution and only within integrative care models under
clinical supervision.
Subjects
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