AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT OF DIPLEGIC CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood motor disability. It is a group of permanent conditions, characterized by abnormal tone, posture and movement. Based on the affected motor system it is classified as spastic hemiplegia, spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, and extrapyramidal or dyskinetic. The incidence of CP is 1.5 to 4 cases per 1000live births. In developed countries the incidence has reduced by up to 40% due to improved neonatal care. Prematurity, Low birth weight, maternal infections, multiple gestation, insult to brain are considered as most common risk factors. In Ayurveda we can correlate this under the broad term Vata Vyadhi. As it is a multifactorial disease, with various clinical features it cannot be correlated under a single disease or condition. Here an attempt was made to treat a 7 year old male child with spastic type of CP using multiple Ayurveda treatment modalities. At the end of 94 days of treatment, Pañcakarma procedures along with internal medication resulted in 10–15% improvement in the overall effect of therapy. A 7 year-old boy with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy was treated in the In-Patient Department. The management was based on the principle of Vatavyadhi chikitsa and Avarana Chikitsa with various Ayurvedic medicines internally and appropriate Panchakarma procedures and also physiotherapy and speech therapy was also done. He has been assessed before and after the treatment and found noticeable improvement. Here spastic diplegic cerebral palsy was managed by using Ayurveda medicines, Panchakarma procedures and supportive therapies. Significant improvements in the quality of life of the child was noted. Ayurveda management along with supportive therapies are highly efficient in managing spastic cerebral palsy, thereby providing a better standard of living.