AN AYURVEDA APPROACH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BELL'S PALSY: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Bell’s palsy is a unilateral lower motor neuron facial paralysis of acute onset that has no discernible cause. It is the most common form of facial paralysis. As per Ayurveda classics this condition can be correlated with Ardita which is the result of vitiated vata dosha. Objective was to observe the efficacy of Ayurveda treatment in the management of Bell’s Palsy. A 58 year old male patient presenting with sudden onset, asymmetry of face, pain and loss of movement on right side of face, difficulty in chewing and closing right eye came to OPD of our institute. History and examinations leads to the diagnosis of idiopathic facial nerve paralysis i.e. Bell’ palsy. So patient was treated according to principles of Ardita chikitsa with Nasya therapy and Shamana chikitsa using various Ayurveda formulations. Remarkable results were observed in the form of improvement in all the chief complaints of the patient. Ayurveda treatment has valuable effect in the management of Bell’s palsy & enhancing its speed of recovery.