Article: AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO MANAGE PAKSHAGHATA (ISCHEMIC STROKE): A CASE STUDY

Article Category: Case Reports

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.155151

Pages: 36-41

Author: Prekshna Gabriella Paul *, Gayathri R

Abstract: Pakshaghata is mentioned in our Ayurvedic classics as one of the 80 Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhis. In this condition, one half of the body is affected and causes symptoms like Ruja, Vaksthamba, Karmahani etc. It can be correlated to Ischemic stroke. Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in India. Clinical features are described as slurring of speech, deviation of mouth, fasciculations, dysphagia and weakness of muscles. For the present study, a 64-year-old female having history of weakness in the right upper and lower limb associated with slurred speech, urinary urge incontinence and memory impairment since the last 7 years and diagnosed with Ischemic Stroke (Avarna janya Pakshaghata) sought Ayurvedic management at Sri Sri Ayurveda Hospital and Research Center in Bengaluru. Considering the signs and symptoms, the patient was treated for 14 days on the lines of Pakshaghata Chikitsa. Sarvanga Dhanyamladhara was done for the first 3 days followed by, Sarvanga Abhyanga and Shashtika shali pinda sweda, Yoga basti, Jihwa Nirlekhana, along with Shamanoushadhis and Rehabilitation with Physiotherapy. The disease activity was analyzed through CNS examinations and NIH Stroke Scale. After completion of the treatment, considerable improvement was recorded in subjective and objective parameters. There were no side effects observed during and after the treatment.

Keyword: Pakshaghata, Ischemic stroke, Yoga basti, Physiotherapy