Single case evaluation of the effect of Saindhavaadi Taila Abhyanga in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

In the present case study, a 38 years old obese female patient approached OPD of Panchakarma Department, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar in Feb 2019 with the complaints of numbness, tingling, swelling and pain in right hand and arm since last two weeks. As she entered the OPD room, she was trying to relieve the symptoms by "shaking out" her right hand (flick sign). She complained of an electric shock like sensation in thumb, index finger and middle finger which travelled from wrist upto the arm and sometimes wake her from sleep. Proper history revealed that she was involved in playing and teaching the folk instrument Dholaka since last 1.5 years. Relevant investigations and examinations were done to exclude out other causes of similar neuropathic pain like rheumatoid arthritis, cervical (C7) radiculopathy and co-existing diseases such as diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, kidney failure, amyloidosis and lymphedema. The case was diagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Ekanga Vata) on the basis of clinical observation of characteristic symptoms and positive Tinel’s sign, median nerve compression test and Phalen’s test through physical examination. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a median compression neuropathy that causes pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and wrist. This single clinical case study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of Sthanika Abhyanga with Saindhavaadi Taila in a patient with CTS. Ushna, Tiksna, Sukshma, Snigdha properties of Taila would have pacified Vata thereby reducing weakness of hands and enhancing proper movements of wrist joint. To evaluate the effect of therapy, post treatment assessment was done using Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ). The results showed 54.74% relief in symptoms and thus the patient responded favorably to the treatment.