Evaluation of Symptoms in Homoeopathy

Definition

Evaluation of symptoms implies the principles of grading or ranking of different kinds of symptoms in order of priority. Proper evaluation of symptoms is the most imp. step next to case taking in homeopathy. In evaluation of case the value of symptom must be taken into consideration from several Points. Basically symptoms are ranked acc. to their intensity and according to their degree of peculiarity.

Need for Evaluation

A case is full of symptoms – all are not of same importance and value. So to find Simillimum, the symptoms are arranged or evaluated in accordance to their importance.

Rules to be Followed

• The generals always rules first.
• Take minimum symptoms of maximum importance.
• Symp related to vital organs are of more importance.
• In mental disease, bodily symptoms have to be considered as concomitant.
• mental symp agg or amel by physical generals are of the highest rank.
• Laws of grade Symp are of least priority.
• Predisposing causes are of greater value.
• Particular Symp having agg/amel by mental generals are of higher value.

Different methods of Evaluation

1. Kentian method

• Prime importance to mental generals
• Limited Generalization of particulars
• Physical Generals including modalities
• Characteristic Particulars – key final stage of differentiation

Scheme of Evaluation a) Mental General

• 1st grade – will
• 2nd grade – emotions
• 3rd grade – intellect
• 4th grade – understanding
• 5th grade – memory etc dreams

b) Physical General

• 1st grade – sexual sphere + menstrual Picture
• 2nd grade – desire, aversion, appetite, thirst
• 3rd grade – symp affecting entire physical body e.g. weather, climate, bathing

c) Common Symp.

• usually of secondary importance & do not play much role in selection of similimum.

d) Particular symp.

• 1st grade – Peculiar, uncommon, unaccountable, rare, strange symp.
• 2nd grade – Particulars with marked modalities
• 3rd grade – Common particular with any appreciable modalities.

2. Hahnemannian method

• General Symptoms
• Uncommon Symptoms

3. Garth Boericke method

• Basic symptoms
• Determinative symptoms

4. Boenninghausen method

• Quis – Peculiar condition & temperament
• Quid – Nature of disease
• Ubi – Seat of disease
• Quibus auxialis – Concomitant
• Cur – Cause of dse
• Quomodo – modalities
• Quando – Time modalities

5. Spalding method

mental Generals , physical generals , dreams , special senses , desire(s) aversion , modalities , strange , rare , peculiar , particulars , objective or Pathology.

Grading of drug Symptoms

1. First Grade Symptoms A symptom recorded in majority of proving or brought out in several provings & verified upon the sick & re-provings.

2. Second Grade Symptoms A symptom brought out in a few provings , confirmed by reproving & occasionally verified upon the sick.

3. Third Grade Symptoms A symptom brought out by a few of the provers , not confirmed by reproving or verified but curing a pt & standing out very prominently.

Additional Keypoints Added for Completeness

• Evaluation determines the hierarchy of symptoms for repertorization and final remedy selection.
• Higher-grade symptoms (especially mental generals and peculiar characteristics) eliminate more remedies and lead to the simillimum faster.
• In pathological cases with limited symptoms, evaluation shifts weight to available generals, causations, and modalities.