Ayurvedic understanding of Central Pontine Myelinolysis - A Case Report

Abstract

A 56 year old male patient was admitted to S.D.M Ayurveda Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka with the confirmed diagnosis of Central Pontine Myelinolysis (CPM) on 11/12/17. The chief complaints were weakness of both hands and legs, stiffness in both hands and legs, pain in both shoulder joints, slurred speech, difficulty in walking with gait changes. H/O chronic alcoholism. MRI brain showed pontine and basal ganglia diffusion restriction - Acute Pontine Myelinolysis. The serum electrolyte showed serum sodium level as 128 mmol/litre. This disease can be understood as Samana Avruta Vyana in hyponatremic encephalopathy stage and the stage of myelinolysis can be understood as Sarvanga Vata with Kapha Avruta Udana and Vyana. After clinical evaluation, Avarana Chikitsa was started followed by Kevala Vatika Chikitsa and significant improvement was seen. Significant result was observed in subjective and objective parameters after the treatment. The patient was discharged with oral medications for 1 month.