Ayurveda management of Ardita (~Bell’s palsy) in a pediatric patient: A case report

Bell’s palsy is an acute, idiopathic condition characterized by the involvement of the facial nerve due to nonsuppurative inflammation. It is closely related to Ardita (~Bell’s palsy) in Ayurveda. Acharya Charaka describes Ardita as one of the Vata nanatmaja vyadhi (~diseases caused only due to vitiated Vata dosha ). It affects an estimated 5–21 children per million per year. Patients with facial paralysis have significant physical and emotional effects, including despair and social isolation. This case report presents the case study of a 12-year-old girl who visited the Kaumarabhritya Outpatient Department with complaints of incomplete closure of left eyelid and right-sided deviation of the mouth while talking, excessive watering from the left eye, release of air while pursing of lips for five days which started after a brief period of cold and cough. After relevant examination and according to the clinical presentation, it was diagnosed with a case of Ardita . The patient was provided a treatment protocol, including Mukhabhyanga (~facial massage with medicated oil) with Dhanwantara taila and Nadi sweda (~sudation using a pipe-like instrument) with Dashamoola kwatha , and Marsha nasya (~medication through nasal route) with Dhanwanatra taila along with Shamana aushadha (~palliative therapy). The House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system and changes in the symptoms were assessed to evaluate the outcome of the therapeutic protocol in the case. Within one week of treatment, the patient completely recovered from all the symptoms without any reported adverse effect. Thus, it can be inferred that Nasya procedure along with Vatashamaka (~pacification of vitiated Vata ) and Rasayana (~rejuvenation therapy) medication have satisfactory and promising results without any recurrence in the case of Ardita .