Definition: 

Case taking is the process of collecting all the facts about the patient, using various
tools like observation, perception, history-taking – given by the patient/attendant, clinical
examination etc. in order to find a remedy for the patient – using our knowledge of Homeopathic
Materia Medica, Organon of Medicine, and Reparatory.
According to Dr. Stuart Close: “The purpose of homeopathic examination is to bring out the
symptoms of the patient in such a way as to permit their comparison with the symptoms of the
materia medica for the purpose of selecting the similar or Homeopathic remedy.

PURPOSE OF CASE TAKING

FRAMING THE TOTALITY OF SYMPTOMS

 Individualization from the totality of symptoms.

 To bring out the symptoms of the patient in such a way as to permit the comparison with
the symptoms of the materia medica for the purpose of selecting the similar
/Homoeopathic remedy.
 TO PERCEIVE THE TRUE PICTURE.
Mode of development of the disease.
Chronological sequence with observed changes.
 FOR PROPER DIAGNOSIS.
Nosological Diagnosis : By a proper case taking we can able to separate the symptoms of
the patient from the symptoms of the disease.
 Etiological diagnosis : If the cause is removed, effect go off by themselves. Proper case
taking help to prescribe on aetiology, exciting, maintaining or precipitating cause of
disease.
 Miasmatic diagnosis: The fundamental cause/causes of disease condition specially
chronic & polymorphic manifestation.
 Personality diagnosis :  Peculiar constitution, temperament & mental behavioural
attitude.
 Therapeutic diagnosis : Individualization from the totality of symptoms. 

Steps in case taking?

Case taking can be summarized into following stages
1. Stage of observation
2. Stage of listening to complaints
3. Stage of interrogation and cross questioning
4. Stage of clinical examination
5. Stage of laboratory investigations
6. Stage of provisional diagnosis
7. Stage of diagnosis of the disease
Aphorism 5,6, 83 -104.

Case taking requires a great deal of experience and training which cannot be acquired from
reading books. The reliable way to learn the art of case taking is to actively become involved in
the process under the supervision of an experienced and effective Homoeopath. Later the student
must become involved in taking case personally.

In case taking the internal state of the person in front of us is gradually revealed. It is just an
effort to understand the person in front of you and one can use any technique to suit one’s
temperament. Successful case taking supplies the physician all the evidence that is necessary for
a proper diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

While inquiring in to the state of chronic disease, the particular circumstances of the patient with
regard to his ordinary occupation, his usual modes of living and diet and his domestic situations
must be well considered and scrutinized to ascertain what tend to produce / maintain the disease.

TO GET A TRUE EVOLUTIONARY PICTURE OF NATURAL DISEASE

1. Take in to account of only those symptoms which the patient suffered from before any
treatment with the drugs was commenced.
2. We may discontinue the treatment for several days and take the remaining symptoms _
with the idea that the effect of already consumed drug must have been eliminated from the
system in the meantime. 

PRE _ REQUISITES

1. You must have your own facilities for recording the case.
2. Proper sitting arrangement. Comfortable, adequate sitting accommodation both for the
doctor, patient & by slanders.
3. Suitable reading materials in the waiting room.
4. Adequate arrangement for light, attractive painting…
5. Quietness and privacy with sound proof chamber.
6. Absolute rest and poise attitude of the physician with no pre conceived ideas nor
prejudices.
7. Arrangements for drinking water toilet etc,
8. Facilities for advance booking

REQUISITES ACCORDING TO HAHNEMANN

Aphorism 83

1. The physician should be free from prejudice.

 2. He must have sound sense.
3. He should be attentive.
4. He should faithfully record all the deviations

 PRECAUTIONS WHILE TAKING THE CASE.

 All the events and effects should be recorded without any interpolation or deletions.
 Don’t get influenced by the symptoms of drugs recorded in the Materia medica.
 Intensity of the symptoms should be given due consideration while recording.
 Each symptom should be valued properly with the marks against them. 

DOS AND DONTS

DON’TS

 Should not hurry a patient in his narrative.

 Do not put leading questions which suggest an answer.
 Do not ask in haphazard manner.
 Do not use complicated technical terms.
 Do not hide anything from the patient.
 Do not rely on patients statement entirely.
 Avoid questions along the line of remedy.
 Never ask alternating questions.
 Never skip from one symptom to another at random
 Never examine a lady in the absence of her relatives or a female nurse.
 Always beware of temptations. 

DOS..

 Ask for all the complaints in detail

 Speak slowly and write methodically.
 Each symptoms should be started in fresh line.
 Symptoms should be noted in chronological order.
 Should be dedicated and unprejudiced.
 Take minimum symptoms of maximum importance.
 Give attention to bystanders