Integrative Understanding of Ardhavabhedaka: Bridging Ayurveda and Neurology

Migraine is a common primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of unilateral, moderate to severe, pulsating pain often associated with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia, with or without aura. It significantly affects the quality of life and shows a higher prevalence among females compared to males. In Ayurveda, a condition with similar clinical presentation is described as Ardhavabhedaka, classified under Shiro Roga. Classical Acharyas have variably described it as Vataja, Vata-Kaphaja, or Tridoshaja in origin, presenting with intense, piercing pain localized to one half of the head, involving regions such as Shankha, Akshi, Karna, and Lalata. The episodic nature and severity of pain closely resemble migraine, including complications like visual and auditory disturbances comparable to migraine with aura. The etiological factors include dietary, lifestyle, and psychological components leading to Dosha imbalance and subsequent involvement of Rasa and Rakta Dhatu along with Srotodushti. Modern understanding attributes migraine to neurovascular dysfunction involving trigeminovascular activation and neurochemical mediators. This review aims to establish a conceptual correlation between Ardhavabhedaka and migraine by integrating Ayurvedic and modern perspectives. Such an integrative approach may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the disease and support the development of safer, effective, and holistic management strategies, reducing dependency on long-term pharmacotherapy while improving patient outcomes.