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Magnesia phosphorica, a study
!14
THE
BRITISH HOM(EOPATHIC JOURNAL
POSOLOGY The main indications for the use of this remedy are cardiac lesions and neuralgias, trigeminal and other types.
Magnesia phosphorica, a study D . M. G I B S O N ,
M.B., B . S . ( L O N D . ) , F.R.C.S.(EDI1N.), M.F.HOM.
PHARMACOGNOSY The phosphate of magnesium occurs in hexagonal crystals, which are sparingly soluble in water and sweetish to the taste. This salt is present in various body tissues. I t is also found in the grain of cereals.
PHARMACOLOGY There is affinity with both nervous and muscular tissues, inducing neuralgic pains and muscle spasm; a later effect is to produce anaesthesia and paralysis. The anaesthetic effect can be countered by Calcium. PHYSIOGNOMY The remedy is especially suitable for thin, emaciated subjects of dark complexion. There is a lean, thin, nervous look, possibly with staring eyes. The individual appears tired, exhausted, almost unable to sit up. May be found talking to herself or sitting motionless in stony silence. May be found doubled up with pain or groaning and pacing to and fro. PSYCHOLOGY The subject appears listless, languid and averse mental effort (not given to fits of rage as with Colocynth). Is forgetful, unable to think clearly; much inclined to tearful lamentation. There may be a tendency to stammer.
PHYSIOLOGY A very chillysubject, complains of cold, especiallyup and down the spine. Shows a great dread of uncovering. There is craving for sugar and aversion from coffee. Curiously enough there m a y be thirst for very cold drinks. Drowsiness is a feature, especially if making an attempt to study. Severe spasmodic yawning may occur, as if to dislocate the jaw.
MAGNESIA
PHOSPHORICA,
A STUDY
115
Modalities. Aggravation results from cold air, cold wind, contact with cold water, a cold draught, in fact from cold in any form; from touch; from movement; at night. Relief is obtained from warmth, by applied heat, from pressure, rubbing or bending double; when resting. PATHOLOGY
General. Pains are violent, shoot like lightning, cramping, boring, maddening and prostrating. They m a y be so severe as to cause retching. Pains are apt to change location and m a y be felt anywhere in the body. They both come and go with sudden abruptness. I t is interesting t h a t although there are such a variety of pains, burning pains are not m e t with, as is so markedly the case with Arsenicum album. I n both remedies, however, there is relief from heat. The neuralgic pains increase in severity until the victim becomes almost frantic, and m a y recur every night. Pain m a y be accompanied by or alternate with a sensation of constriction. Extreme exhaustion is also a frequent concomitant. Pain m a y be induced by over-exertion or too prolonged use of particular muscles and be accompanied by occupational cramp. Symptoms tend to be right-sided and often show periodicity. Head. Headache is usually severe and associated with a red face and much throbbing. One type starts in the occiput and spreads over the whole head; it is worse on the right side, from l0 to 11 a.m. and from 4 to 5 p.m. ; it is relieved by warm wraps. Neuralgic headache occurs in young people, increased by intensive study. Severe facial neuralgia of trigeminal distribution is often on the right side; it is aggravated b y cold, by the least touch, b y pressure, at 2 p.m. and at night; local application of heat m a y give some relief. Headaches are usually relieved b y warmth, by firm pressure and in the dark, but sometimes the impact of cold air is preferred. The head m a y feel as if full of fluid or as ff portions of the brain were swishing about. There m a y be a sensation of a cap on the head. Eyes. Pain is felt in and above the right orbit from exposure to cold; it is accompanied b y spasms of the facial muscles. Other eye symptoms are double vision, spasmodic squint, dimness of vision, dark spots, sparks, rainbow colours seen before the eyes, nystagmus, contraction of pupils, twitching of eyelids, ptosis. Ears. Sharp intermittent pains occur behind the right ear, worse in cold air or from washing the face in cold water. Respiratory system. A sore throat is associated with chilliness and constant desire to swallow though doing so causes pain. Spasmodic contraction occurs in the throat on attempting to swallow fluids. Laryngismus stridulus is associated with tetany. A dry paroxysmal cough m a y be so severe as to make it difficult to lie down or to speak coherently; the subject goes red in the face, chokes and retches; the cough is worse in a warm room and better in the open air.
116
THE
BRITISH
HO]YI(EOPATHIC
JOURI~AL
Intercostal neuralgia occurs with sharp, intermittent pains; there is a desire to take a deep breath to relieve a feeling of constriction; the condition is wors~ on fu'st entering a warm room, but better after being in the room a short while Walking aggravates.
Alimentary system. Lips apt to be sore and cracked. Mouth is sore with red raw-looking patches on tongue, gums and buccal surfaces. Mouth feels scaldec and eating is painful. Severe toothache moves from spot to spot; it is made worse by eating anr drinking and is also worse after retiring at night; heat gives some relief. Teet[ are very sensitive to touch or cold air. Hiccough is troublesome both day and night, and is associated with retching. Gastric distress is aggravated by cold drinks, touch and physical exertion; drinking hot water, local warmth and taking food afford relief. Very severe flatulent colics with radiating pains cause the sufferer to benc double, press the hands into the abdomen and use massage in search of relief. Distension makes it imperative to loosen the clothing; passage of flatus does not afford relief. Infants with colic lie, crying in pain, with thighs flexed on the belly; application of a warm hand gives some relief. Dysentery or choleraic diarrhoea occurs in association with severe cramps. Cardiovascular system. Anginal pain is recorded, accompanied by a sensation ol constriction round the heart. Palpitations are associated with nervous tension.
Urinary system. Nocturnal enuresis m a y occur from nervous disturbance. Spasmodic retention is accompanied by tenesmus and painful urging. Cutting pain in the bladder m a y precede passage of urine. Frequent urge to urinate occurs when standing or walking; it m a y also disturb sleep at night. Genital system. Severe dysmenorrhoea occurs, especially before the flow starts. Menstrual periods are too early with dark blood containing stringy clots. Neuromuscular system. Neuralgic pains occur in the limbs, worse from movement and at night. Right-sided sciatica is associated with sharp pains, aggravated by the least touch, the slightest draught and on getting undressed; is better if warmly clad. Stiffness and rigidity affect the limbs. The remedy to be considered in paralysis agitans, chorea and tabes dorsalis. Tremors and twitching m a y occur all over the body. Cramps and tonic spasms m a y follow overuse of certain muscles. Convulsions in children or adults are followed b y extreme sensitivity t~ touch, wind, noise or any exciting stimulus. POSOLOGY
The remedy is of great value as a pain-reliever in contrast to narcotics which merely dull pain. I t is especially related to excruciating pain accompanied by extreme exhaustion. I t has given good results in all potencies; is said to act more promptly if given in hot water.
THE
BRITISH HOM(EOPATHIC JOURNAL
POSOLOGY The main indications for the use of this remedy are cardiac lesions and neuralgias, trigeminal and other types.
Magnesia phosphorica, a study D . M. G I B S O N ,
M.B., B . S . ( L O N D . ) , F.R.C.S.(EDI1N.), M.F.HOM.
PHARMACOGNOSY The phosphate of magnesium occurs in hexagonal crystals, which are sparingly soluble in water and sweetish to the taste. This salt is present in various body tissues. I t is also found in the grain of cereals.
PHARMACOLOGY There is affinity with both nervous and muscular tissues, inducing neuralgic pains and muscle spasm; a later effect is to produce anaesthesia and paralysis. The anaesthetic effect can be countered by Calcium. PHYSIOGNOMY The remedy is especially suitable for thin, emaciated subjects of dark complexion. There is a lean, thin, nervous look, possibly with staring eyes. The individual appears tired, exhausted, almost unable to sit up. May be found talking to herself or sitting motionless in stony silence. May be found doubled up with pain or groaning and pacing to and fro. PSYCHOLOGY The subject appears listless, languid and averse mental effort (not given to fits of rage as with Colocynth). Is forgetful, unable to think clearly; much inclined to tearful lamentation. There may be a tendency to stammer.
PHYSIOLOGY A very chillysubject, complains of cold, especiallyup and down the spine. Shows a great dread of uncovering. There is craving for sugar and aversion from coffee. Curiously enough there m a y be thirst for very cold drinks. Drowsiness is a feature, especially if making an attempt to study. Severe spasmodic yawning may occur, as if to dislocate the jaw.
MAGNESIA
PHOSPHORICA,
A STUDY
115
Modalities. Aggravation results from cold air, cold wind, contact with cold water, a cold draught, in fact from cold in any form; from touch; from movement; at night. Relief is obtained from warmth, by applied heat, from pressure, rubbing or bending double; when resting. PATHOLOGY
General. Pains are violent, shoot like lightning, cramping, boring, maddening and prostrating. They m a y be so severe as to cause retching. Pains are apt to change location and m a y be felt anywhere in the body. They both come and go with sudden abruptness. I t is interesting t h a t although there are such a variety of pains, burning pains are not m e t with, as is so markedly the case with Arsenicum album. I n both remedies, however, there is relief from heat. The neuralgic pains increase in severity until the victim becomes almost frantic, and m a y recur every night. Pain m a y be accompanied by or alternate with a sensation of constriction. Extreme exhaustion is also a frequent concomitant. Pain m a y be induced by over-exertion or too prolonged use of particular muscles and be accompanied by occupational cramp. Symptoms tend to be right-sided and often show periodicity. Head. Headache is usually severe and associated with a red face and much throbbing. One type starts in the occiput and spreads over the whole head; it is worse on the right side, from l0 to 11 a.m. and from 4 to 5 p.m. ; it is relieved by warm wraps. Neuralgic headache occurs in young people, increased by intensive study. Severe facial neuralgia of trigeminal distribution is often on the right side; it is aggravated b y cold, by the least touch, b y pressure, at 2 p.m. and at night; local application of heat m a y give some relief. Headaches are usually relieved b y warmth, by firm pressure and in the dark, but sometimes the impact of cold air is preferred. The head m a y feel as if full of fluid or as ff portions of the brain were swishing about. There m a y be a sensation of a cap on the head. Eyes. Pain is felt in and above the right orbit from exposure to cold; it is accompanied b y spasms of the facial muscles. Other eye symptoms are double vision, spasmodic squint, dimness of vision, dark spots, sparks, rainbow colours seen before the eyes, nystagmus, contraction of pupils, twitching of eyelids, ptosis. Ears. Sharp intermittent pains occur behind the right ear, worse in cold air or from washing the face in cold water. Respiratory system. A sore throat is associated with chilliness and constant desire to swallow though doing so causes pain. Spasmodic contraction occurs in the throat on attempting to swallow fluids. Laryngismus stridulus is associated with tetany. A dry paroxysmal cough m a y be so severe as to make it difficult to lie down or to speak coherently; the subject goes red in the face, chokes and retches; the cough is worse in a warm room and better in the open air.
116
THE
BRITISH
HO]YI(EOPATHIC
JOURI~AL
Intercostal neuralgia occurs with sharp, intermittent pains; there is a desire to take a deep breath to relieve a feeling of constriction; the condition is wors~ on fu'st entering a warm room, but better after being in the room a short while Walking aggravates.
Alimentary system. Lips apt to be sore and cracked. Mouth is sore with red raw-looking patches on tongue, gums and buccal surfaces. Mouth feels scaldec and eating is painful. Severe toothache moves from spot to spot; it is made worse by eating anr drinking and is also worse after retiring at night; heat gives some relief. Teet[ are very sensitive to touch or cold air. Hiccough is troublesome both day and night, and is associated with retching. Gastric distress is aggravated by cold drinks, touch and physical exertion; drinking hot water, local warmth and taking food afford relief. Very severe flatulent colics with radiating pains cause the sufferer to benc double, press the hands into the abdomen and use massage in search of relief. Distension makes it imperative to loosen the clothing; passage of flatus does not afford relief. Infants with colic lie, crying in pain, with thighs flexed on the belly; application of a warm hand gives some relief. Dysentery or choleraic diarrhoea occurs in association with severe cramps. Cardiovascular system. Anginal pain is recorded, accompanied by a sensation ol constriction round the heart. Palpitations are associated with nervous tension.
Urinary system. Nocturnal enuresis m a y occur from nervous disturbance. Spasmodic retention is accompanied by tenesmus and painful urging. Cutting pain in the bladder m a y precede passage of urine. Frequent urge to urinate occurs when standing or walking; it m a y also disturb sleep at night. Genital system. Severe dysmenorrhoea occurs, especially before the flow starts. Menstrual periods are too early with dark blood containing stringy clots. Neuromuscular system. Neuralgic pains occur in the limbs, worse from movement and at night. Right-sided sciatica is associated with sharp pains, aggravated by the least touch, the slightest draught and on getting undressed; is better if warmly clad. Stiffness and rigidity affect the limbs. The remedy to be considered in paralysis agitans, chorea and tabes dorsalis. Tremors and twitching m a y occur all over the body. Cramps and tonic spasms m a y follow overuse of certain muscles. Convulsions in children or adults are followed b y extreme sensitivity t~ touch, wind, noise or any exciting stimulus. POSOLOGY
The remedy is of great value as a pain-reliever in contrast to narcotics which merely dull pain. I t is especially related to excruciating pain accompanied by extreme exhaustion. I t has given good results in all potencies; is said to act more promptly if given in hot water.