AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PAKSHAGHATA (RIGHT MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY HEMORRHAGIC INFARCT): A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Stroke is defined as the rapid onset of focal neurological deficit resulting from diseases of the cerebral vasculature and its contents. Stroke represents the third most common cause of death in developed nations. The prevalence of stroke in India is approximately 200 per 100,000 persons and 9.94% of total deaths.The present article deals with a diagnosed case of hemorrhagic stroke presenting with left sided hemiplegia with right Middle cerebral artery hemorrhagic infarct. The Ayurvedic diagnosis of Vama pakshaghata was made and managed with Parisheka (Pouring of medicated liquids), Shiropichu (Applying oil to vertex using cotton pad), Pradhamananasya (Administration of powdered medicine through nasal route), Shastika Shali Masha Pinda Sweda (Full body massage with bolus prepared by rice and black gram ) and Matrabasti (Administration of medicated ghee through rectum). Two assessments were made before and after treatment using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIH-SS) and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). Maximum improvement was noticed in the symptoms of facialpalsy, aphasia and dysarthria. There were also improvement in left lower and upper extremity functions. At the end of the treatment he could walk without support. Assessment using SS-QOL showed considerable recovery in language ability, mobility, energy, mood, self-care and vision. Panchakarma plays a key role in the management of stroke/Pakshaghata. The recovery was promising and worth documenting.