Ayurvedic Management of Post Traumatic Diffuse Axonal Injury

Traumatic axonal injury (TAI) is characterized by multiple, diffusely distributed hemorrhagic or non-hemorrhagic lesions, often accompanied by cerebral edema, predominantly affecting specific regions of the cerebral white matter on neuroimaging. At the cellular level, TAI involves disruption of axonal transport, axonal swelling, and subsequent axonal disconnection as a consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of Ayurvedic management in post-traumatic diffuse axonal injury. This is a case study of a 54-year-old male patient who complaints of weakness of bilateral upper and lower limb and mild slurring of speech since 8 months. Based on the history and clinical findings, the case was diagnosed as Post traumatic diffuse axonal injury (Shiro marmabhigata janya Sarvangaroga). The patient was treated with internal medications and external therapies including Kashaya dhara (controlled pouring of medicated decoction over body), Abhyanga (application of oil to body), Shirodhara (therapeutic streaming of medicated fluids to head), Kayaseka (controlled pouring of liquids over body) and Shastika Shali Pinda Sweda (sweating induced by application of a poultice) along with internal medications. The outcome was evaluated using Fugl Meyer Assessment and Modified Ashworth Scale, and significant improvement was seen within a relatively short duration.