Cerebral Palsy1 (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder resulting from brain injury during the prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal periods. It affects motor function and leads to delay in gross and fine motor skills, hypertonia or hypotonia, persistence or exaggeration of primitive reflexes, neuro-behavioral issues, cognitive impairment, and musculoskeletal complications. CP is prevalent in about 4 per 1,000 live births2, with boys having a slightly higher risk than girls, and spastic CP being the most common type. Children with CP require significant family support and care, making early and effective treatment crucial to enhancing independence and quality of life. Ayurveda describes a condition called "Vyadhija Phakka,"3 which shares symptoms with spastic CP. Ayurvedic treatments, particularly Panchakarma therapies and other supportive treatments (Upakramas), have shown potential in alleviating spasticity and other symptoms of CP. This case report presents the successful management of spastic CP in a child using Ayurvedic therapies, demonstrating the positive impact of Panchakarma in reducing spasticity, improving motor milestones, and enhancing neuro-behavioral responses. The application of Panchakarma therapies such as Abhyanga4 (oil massage), Swedana5 (sudation therapy), and Basti6 (medicated enema) contributed significantly to the child’s improvement, highlighting the potential of Ayurvedic approaches in managing CP.
Dr. Pravitha Prabhakar K.*2 Dr. Priyanka H. S.1 (Sun,) studied this question.