Management of Radial Nerve Palsy w.s.r. to Ekangavata and Marmaghat - A Case Study

Abstract

Nervous disorders occurs due to imbalance of Vata Dosha. Acharyas considered nerve impulses to be kind of air travelling through the body. Vata Dosha is responsible for sensory & motor functions of body. In Ayurveda, various nervous disorders and their symptoms are not clumped under heading of single disease, rather they are described as types of Vata Vyadhi. Among nervous disorders, peripheral nerve injuries are most commonly encountered in day-to-day practice. One of the commonest peripheral nerves to be injured is Radial nerve. Radial nerve palsy is condition caused due to injury to radial nerve which leads to wrist drop and functional disabilities, In the present case scenario radial nerve is damaged due to compression of radial nerve as a result of prolonged pressure on arm and systemic condition like Diabetes. In the context of Ayurveda, the underlying cause of Radial nerve palsy is often attributed to aggravation of Vata Dosha. Acharya Charaka and Madhavkara mentioned features of Ekangavata characterized by localized paralysis or monoplegia. All etiological factors and manifestation of Ekangavata are quite resembling with radial nerve palsy. Hence, we can correlate Ekangavata with Radial nerve palsy. Another important etiological aspect regarding radial nerve palsy which needs to explore is Marmaghata. We have noticed that, in this case Bahavi Marma and Aani Marma are more prone for the injury, which might have led to the complaints of wrist drop and functional disabilities. we treated this case successfully with Upanah Swedan, Balya, Vatashamak and Pramehaghna Chikitsa.