Therapeutic Efficacy of Trimodal Ayurvedic Intervention in Pakshavadha: A Case Study

Introduction- Ayurvedic literatures have given much importance to Vatavyadhis as Vata is the prime dosha among the three doshas. Pakshavadha is one among the Vataja nanatmaja vyadhi which is homologous to Hemiplegia based on its clinical presentation. The highlighted sign and symptoms described in ayurvedic texts are Chesta-nivrutti of vama or dakshina parshwa(loss of function or weakness of either left or right half of the body), Ruja(Pain) and vakstambha(slurred speech or unable to speak). In this disease, impairment of Gyanendriyas(Part of sensory function), Karmendriyas(Part of motor function) and Manas are seen. Hemiplegia is a condition results from Cerebro-vascular Accident(CVA) generally termed as Stroke which is defined as sudden onset of neurologic deficit from vascular mechanism. Among its two types 80% of cases are ischemic and 20% of cases are hemorrhagic. According to WHO, 15 million people suffer from stroke worldwide each year among which 5 million die and 5 million become disabled. Material and methods- This article deals with a single case report of a 59 year old female patient presenting with chief complaints of loss of function and weakness of right upper and lower limbs since 1 week. The patient was advised Shamana aushadhis, Shodhana chikitsa(Nasya) and Bahya chikitsa(Sarvanga Patrapinda swedan and Shiropichu) for a duration of 28 days. Result- Neurological examinations, Barthel Index(For activities of daily living), Modified Rankin Scale(for neurologic disability) were done before and after treatment, which show, a significant improvement in gait and other symptoms as well as the patient was able to walk without any support and do her daily activities by herself. Discussion- The cumulative effect of this treatment regimen primarily works as Vatashamak and improves the Rakta samvahan kriya in the brain thus improves the condition of the patient.