Management Of Anantavata (Trigeminal Neuralgia) With Ayurvedic Parasurgical Procedures-A Case Report

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a common neurological disorder caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve, leading to electric shock-like pain on one side of the face, primarily in the distribution of its branches. It can be correlated with Anantavata in Ayurveda, with the aggravation of Tridosha. A 40-year-old female patient visited our OPD, complaining of shooting pain on the right side of her face, which was triggered by chewing, talking, and cold weather. She had been taking carbamazepine for four years. The patient was treated with oral medications, including Vyoshadi Vati (two tablets twice daily), Abha Guggulu (two tablets thrice daily), and inhalation of Dasamula Kwatha steam twice daily. Additionally, Viddhakarma (needle puncturing up to 5mm) using a 26G needle and Agnikarma (indirect heat application) with Swarna Shalaka were performed near Marma points such as Sthapani, Avarta, Apanga, Utkshepa, Shanka, Phana, and Shrigataka at intervals of three days for two months. The oral medications helped alleviate Tridosha imbalance, while the para-surgical procedures contributed to pain reduction. After two months, the patient experienced significant relief from recurrent pain. This case demonstrates that Ayurvedic management of TN can effectively reduce recurrent pain and improve the patient\'s quality of life.