Role of Panchakarma in Paksaghata With Special Reference to Ischemic Stroke: A Case Report

Pakṣāghāta is a Vāta dominant neurological disorder in Ayurveda, clinically comparable to Ischemic stroke. The condition manifests with sudden onset weakness, impaired mobility, slurred speech and functional disability. In Ayurveda, Pakṣāghāta is classified under Vātavyādhi, wherein aggravated Vāta leads to impairment of motor functions, manifesting as Ceṣṭā-nivṛtti and Vākstambha, affecting either side of the body. Pañchakarma therapies are indicated in the management of Vāta disorders and play an important role in neurological rehabilitation. Objective: To evaluate the role of Pañchakarma in the management of Pakṣāghāta with special reference to Ischemic stroke. Methodology: The patient underwent Pañchakarma treatments in three different sittings. During the first sitting, Abhyaṅga was performed using Nirguṇḍī Taila, followed by Nāḍī Svedana for a duration of three days. This was followed by Mātrā Vasti with Nirguṇḍī Taila administered for seven days. Thereafter, Pañchaprasṛtika Kṣīra Vasti was given in a Kālavasti schedule. The second sitting consisted of Snehapāna, followed by Virecana Karma. In the third sitting, Abhyaṅga with Nirguṇḍī Taila followed by Nāḍī Svedana was administered for three days, after which Nasya Karma was performed using Dhanvantaram 101 Āvarti Taila for a period of fourteen days. Results: Post-treatment assessment after each sitting showed time-to-time reduction in NIH Stroke Scale scores and walking time. Improvement in muscle power and Barthel Index scores has also been observed, indicating enhanced functional ability. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the potential role of Pañchakarma therapy in improving neurological and functional outcomes in Pakṣāghāta with special reference to Ischemic stroke. Thus Pañchakarma can be considered as a better rehabilitative approach in post stroke management.