AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF PAKSHAGHATA (CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT) : A CASE STUDY”

Stroke, or CVA, is characterised by the sudden localised neurological deficit caused by illnesses affecting the cerebral vasculature and its components. It is the third leading cause of death in developing countries. This disease has posed a great problem to the medical field as far as its treatment is concerned. There is currently no satisfactory and widely accepted treatment for stroke. Researchers in both Ayurveda and modern fields are conducting numerous studies to improve the management of CVA. Pakshaghata, known as paralysis or hemiplegia, is a disorder that typically affects one side of the body and is defined by the abrupt loss of motor function. Pakshaghata is a condition where the Vata dosha is vitiated, causing problems with the nervous system and muscles. The study's goal was to assess the effects of ayurvedic treatment on Pakshaghata. Material and Methods: A case study of CVA was admitted, with the patient presenting complaints of difficulty in standing and walking, slurred speech, heaviness of the affected side of the body, and pain. A CT scan of the brain revealed a hypodense area in the thalamocapsular region s/o infarct. The case was diagnosed as Pakshaghata in conjunction with laboratory investigations. Various stages of the disease were treated with oral medications, including Snehan, Swedan, Nasya, Basti, and Mruduvirechana. Additionally, physiotherapy sessions were implemented on a consistent basis. Observation and Result: After successfully combining shaman treatment and Panchakarma treatment for consecutive times, the patient got complete relief from all complaints. Before treatment the Barthel index scale was 15, and after the treatment the Barthel index scale was 75, providing symptomatic relief too.