Ayurvedic management of Vascular Parkinsonism: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular parkinsonism (VP) is a distinct clinicopathological entity from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, which is presumably caused by cerebrovascular disease. It is characterized by predominant lower body parkinsonism, postural instability, shuffling or freezing gait, absence of rest tremors, absence or poor response to dopamine, and the presence of corticospinal tract signs. Methodology: A 62-year-old male patient was admitted to the Panchakarma IPD of VAC, Ollur complaining of tremors in the hands (left > right), weakness in the left hand, slowness in activities and speech, memory loss, swaying while walking, and pain over the left shoulder joint for the past 10 months. On examination, extrapyramidal signs were positive. He underwent a treatment protocol for Vatavyadhi, including Udvarthanam, Dhanyamladhara, Sirodhara, Vasthi, and Shastika Sali Pinda Sweda, along with Samanoushadis, for a period of 26 days, which yielded better results in the condition. Result: patient assessment was conducted using the Modified Hoehn and Yahr scale, Schwab and England ADL scale, and PDQ-39 scale on the 1st and 26th days. After the treatment, there was a notable amelioration of symptoms, a reduction in disability, and an enhancement in overall quality of life.