AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY (PSP): A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare neurological condition that can cause problems with balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing. This condition could be clinically compared to Kaphavrita Vyana Vata and Asthi-Majja gata Vata in Ayurveda based on signs and symptoms. A 73-year-old male patient visited the Geriatric OPD of Panchakarma Department, Government Ayurveda College Panchakarma Hospital, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, with complaints of balance and mobility problems, including frequent falls, changes in behaviour like irritability, inability to control eye and upward eyelid movements along with slowness of thought and some memory problems. The patient was advised for IP admission. He was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) from MRI-Brain. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this condition could be considered Kaphavrita Vyana Vata and Asthi-Majja gata Vata based on signs and symptoms. Considering all the factors, the treatment principles of Avarana Vata and Asthi-Majja gata Vata were followed in this case. The assessment criteria were based on the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale (PSPRS) and the WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOLS). The case report shows that Ayurvedic treatment effectively reduces the signs and symptoms of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) in the early stage. No adverse effect was found during the treatment. The assessment of the disease by the Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Rating Scale (PSPRS) showed improvement by changing the total score from 20 to 9 before and after treatment. The assessment with the World Health Organisation Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOLS) showed that the patient's quality of life improved from 45% to 64.6% before and after treatment.