The Ayurvedic management of Ardhavbhadaka with special reference to migraine : A single case study

Abstract

Migraine most often begins at adolescence and most affects those aged between 35 and 45 years. It is caused by the stimulation of a mechanism deep in the brain that leads to release of pain-producing inflammatory substances around the nerves and blood vessels of the head. Migraine is recurrent, often life-long, and characterized by recurring attacks. About 15% of the population suffers migraine. Prevalence of migraine is approximately 5.7% in men and 17.0% in women and accounts 2% years of life lost due to a disability in women of all ages. Modern science enforced several medications to manage migraine. additionally, these drugs have adverse effects like GI upset, hypotension, lack of concentration etc It is more common in women, because of hormonal influences. Ardhavabhedaka can be scientifically correlated with Migraine due to its cardinal feature ‘half sided headache’ and also due to its spasmodic nature. All the three doshas are involved in the pathogenesis of the Ardhavabhedaka with the predominance of Vata or Vata Kapha. Head is the ruler of indriya and Kapha dosha. The medicine given through Nasya reaches up to the brain and thus it pulls out all the disease causing doshas impurities Manasamitra Vatakam and Shir Shuladi Vajra Ras are is mentioned in Sahasrayogam and Bhaishajya Ratnavali book with special indication to Shirha Shoola.