Ayurvedic mangement of Stroke - A Case Report

Abstract

Stroke is one of the leading causes of adult neurological disability across the globe. Its prevalence ranges from 40 to 270 per 100,000 population. The timely management of stroke is so crucial so as to limit the upcoming disability. Stroke is the condition of sudden onset of weakness, numbness, paralysis, slurred speech, aphasia, problems with vision and other manifestations of a sudden interruption of blood flow to a specific anatomical area of the brain. Ayurvedic management is having results in this regard as per reported studies. The present article deals with a diagnosed case of subacute non-haemorrhagic infarct involving the right fronto parieto temporal region and the ganglio capsular region, presented as left sided hemiplegia. Stroke is quite clearly defined along with its symptoms, prognosis and management in Ayurveda in the context of Pakshaghata as a Vatavyadhi, affecting Madhyama Rogamarga, in which Sira and Snayu are mainly affected. Rookshana followed by Sneha-Sweda, Sodhana, Vasthi and Nasya along with selected Samana drugs were administered to the patient. Assessments were done before and after treatment using Motor Assessment Scale for Stroke. Supine to sitting over side of bed, balanced sitting, sitting to standing and walking are the main domains which got maximum improvement as per the assessment. The recovery was promising and worth detailing.