MANAGEMENT OF CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT THROUGH PANCHAKARMA THERAPY: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), the third most common cause of death in developing countries, is the term used to describe episodes of focal brain dysfunction due to focal ischemia or haemorrhage. Acute stroke is characterized most commonly by hemiplegia with or without signs of focal higher cerebral dysfunction that has posed a great problem as far as its management is concerned. Ayurveda can help in such conditions. CVA is quite clearly defined along with its symptoms, prognosis and management in Ayurveda in the context of Pakshaghata as a Vatavyadhi, affecting Madhyama Rogamarga, in which Sira (vascular structures) and Snayu (tendons and ligaments) are mainly affected. A 40-year-old male patient diagnosed with non-hemorrhagic infarct presented with left-side hemiplegia and diplopia was admitted to IPD. Panchakarma procedures, including Snehana, Swedana, Shirodhara, Nasya and Basti, were adopted along with other internal medicines. Assessments were done before and after treatment using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIH-SS). At the end of the treatment, there was considerable improvement in the subjective and objective clinical features. The observations reveal that Panchakarma procedures can play a vital role in managing conditions like Cerebrovascular accidents by combating general debility with extraocular muscle weakness. The recovery was promising and worth detailing.