Ayurvedic Management of Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka) with scintillating scotoma- A case report

Migraine is a neurological and a primary headache disorder. It is the second most common cause of headache after tension-type headache. It is estimated to affect 16.6% of the world's population, with women being three times more likely to experience it than men. It is an episodic headache associated with certain features such as photophobia, phonophobia, or movement. Nausea and vomiting often accompany the headache. A Migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation, usually on one side of the head lasts for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities. Even after recent advancements the complete cure of Migraine is still under question. A 30-year-old female patient presented with complaints of right sided head ache with scintillating scotoma for one day. She had a history of similar episodes for the past one year. The symptoms were intermittent, mostly associated with menstrual cycles and was closely related to Tridoshaja Ardhavabhedaka with Pitta predominance. After a detailed assessment of the patient, the treatment was meticulously planned based on the patient's Dosha predominance and Vyadhi avastha (stage of disease). Nidana parivarjana (abstinance from the eitiological factors), Deepana, Paachana, Dosha Shamana and Soolahara principles were adopted for attaining proper Samprapti vighatana. Further, the disability caused by Migraine was assessed by MIDAS score. Additionally the severity, frequency, duration of head ache and Aura were assessed after completion of the therapeutic intervention and 45 days of follow up period.