AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF TRAUMATIC HEMIPARESIS: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Hemiparesis, or unilateral paresis, is weakness of one entire side of the body. The causes are infective, vascular, neoplastic, demyelination, traumatic, iatrogenic, ictal, congenital, degenerative and parasomnia. The patient here presented with complaint of weakness of right side of the body associated with stiffness since 10 months following a road traffic accident resulting in vertebral compression fracture. He was diagnosed as traumatic hemiparesis. From Ayurvedic perspective, this condition could be considered as Pakshaghata (Dakshinakaya) where abhighata is the causative factor. Considering the all factors, treatment principles of pakshaghata, asthi-majja gata vata and marmabhighata were followed in this case. After treatment, the overall strength of right side of the patient regained. The stiffness of joints reduced, the movements became ease and the muscle power of the right side improved from grade 4 to grade 5 after the course of treatment.