Management of cauda equina syndrome by Ayurveda: A case study

Abstract

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a rare but potentially morbid condition which may cause permanent neurological disability in the form of motor and sensory dysfunctions of the lower extremities, impaired bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Different underlying pathological conditions may give rise to CES, of which a herniated lumbar intervertebral disc is the most common cause. In the present case study, a 62-year-old male patient who was diagnosed as a case of CES due to an extruded L4/L5 disc and refused to undergo surgery and wanted to go for Ayurveda treatment was admitted to the Panchakarma IPD, Ayurveda Hospital, NEIAH, Shillong. He was treated following the principles of Avarana Janya Vatavyadhi (diseases caused by Vata when vitiated due to obstruction in its normal flow) with oral medications and Panchakarma therapy. Improvement in the condition of the patient in terms of pain relief, bladder control, improvement of motor power, walking capacity, straight leg raising test (SLRT), etc. were observed after the completion of treatment and during the first follow-up after 1 month.