Management Of Anantavata Through Ayurvedic Neurotherapeutics: A Case Based Exploration of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a severe neurological condition characterized by a sudden, usually unilateral, brief, stabbing, recurrent pain in the distribution of one or more branches of the fifth cranial nerve, often described as one of the most excruciating pain syndromes known to medicine. From Ayurvedic perspective, this disorder aligns closely with Anantavata, a disease affecting the Trigeminal Nerve due to aggravated tridosas. This study describes a case report of a female patient of age 68 years diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia who attended the Shalakya Tantra OPD of SDMIAH, Bengaluru. Successful management was observed by Ayurvedic treatments like Marsha Nasya, Shirodhara, Jaloukavacharana, Sthanika pichu, Patra pinda sveda, Sarvanga abhynga, Gandusha and Vidhagni Karma along Shamanoushadis. Clinical outcomes demonstrated significant pain relief, improved nerve function, and enhanced overall well-being without dependency on conventional analgesics. Patient was assessed before and after treatment along with follow up using Defence and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS). This study highlights the efficacy of Vataraktahara chikitsa and its neuroprotective role and the potential of Ayurveda as a complementary approach for neurological conditions in Shalakya Tantra.