Functional and Neurological Recovery Following Ayurvedic Management in Transverse Myelitis: A Case Study

Transverse myelitis is an inflammatory disorder of the spinal cord characterized by varying degrees of motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction. Persistent lower-limb weakness and bladder dysfunction may result in considerable functional disability. In Ayurveda the condition may be correlated to Adharanga vata or Urusthamba. Case Report: An 18-year-old male developed acute febrile illness followed by urinary dysfunction, altered sensorium and progressive bilateral lower-limb weakness with paraplegia and impaired voluntary micturition. Despite conventional treatment and rehabilitation, significant neurological deficits persisted, with the residual presentation. Methodology: The patient underwent treatment during two separate admissions. During the first admission- Sarvanga Udwartana followed by Shashtika shali pinda sweda and Matra basti with Ashwagandha ghrita were given for 9 days. In 2nd admission- Agnilepa followed by Shashtika shali pinda sweda and Matra basti was given again for 9 days. Conclusion: The patient showed lower-limb muscle power improved from specified grades to 4/5–5/5 in selected muscle groups, ambulation progressed from inability to walk to approximately 20 steps with a walker, and bladder control improved., highlighting the role of Panchakarma in the management of Transverse myelitis.