Abstract: For centuries, ayurvedic treatment for PAKSHAGHATA is renowned for helping patients recuperate and recover from Stroke. Stroke is the number 1 cause of severe and complex disability in the human population worldwide but the western treatment options for stroke are very limited. Today, there is an alarming need for effective treatment of stroke which not only gives promising results but is available to all and also affordable. Ayurveda offers us a potential therapy that can be used in the vast majority of stroke patients around the world who are unable to receive appropriate treatment due to various socio-economical reasons.
This is a case of a 60 yr old male brought by his son to my clinic 3 months after having a severe ischemic stroke. The treatment, ICU care, and physiotherapy helped in his motor rehabilitation but the patient had no development in his sensory damage, he could not speak at all and could not remember things very well this condition is commonly known as expressive aphasia.
Ayurveda Perspective
According to Ayurveda, PAKSHAGHATA is a VATAJA DISORDER and hence the VATAGHNA property of BHANGA would be helpful in an effective SAMPRAPTIBHANGA. Moreover, BHANGA is described as “VAAGH VANHI VARDHINI” in BHAVAPRAKASH NIGHANTU which literally translates as it gives BALA to the AGNI and enhances one’s ability or confidence to speak. This is the key reason for using Kameshwar Modak in this case. BHANGA also has the property of HARSHA NIRMITI which helps patients to cope with the emotional disturbances they experience post-stroke.
Introduction
Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. A severe stroke has the potential for life threatening complications and deterioration. The survivors of such types of strokes require rigorous rehabilitation techniques, the goals of which are to optimize how the person functions after the stroke and the level of independence he/she can achieve and also to achieve the best possible quality of life. Often, the patients are given motor skill rehabilitation and very little focus is set on sensory rehabilitation but there is growing evidence that sensory impairments affect post stroke motor recovery.
With Stroke becoming a common disorder with our newly adopted lifestyle, emphasis should be put on promoting the traditional methods, formulations and techniques to bring about awareness on the promising results Ayurveda gives in the patients of Stroke (Paralysis) or Post Stroke Rehabilitation.
Case Report
Patient description
This is a case of a 60 yr old male brought by his son to my clinic 3 months after having a severe ischemic stroke. The treatment, ICU care and physiotherapy helped in his motor rehabilitation but the patient had no development in his sensory damage, he could not speak at all and could not remember things very well this condition is commonly known as expressive aphasia.
Case history
The patient was apparently alright 3 months ago with no co morbid conditions or habits. He suffered a severe ischemic stroke that led to immediate hospitalization and ICU Care. He survived with moderate motor and sensory damage. Post hospitalization the patients extremities were very well rehabilitated with planned physiotherapy and he could walk again with support (walking stick), there was non significant muscle wasting but he could not talk at all.
The patient who was a chatty personality suffered from immense emotional disturbance as he was unable to express himself. He would be irritable for a minute and un responsive for another, he would cry for a minute and turn angry on another, his mood swings were brisk and endless.
Treatment plan
Medicines to be used – Kameshwar Modaka. The patient was prescribed GOKSHURADI GUGGUL and KAMESHWAR MODAKA.
Expected outcome of the treatment plan
It was expected Kameshwar Modaka would be able to help patient fight back the damage caused by stroke motor as well as sensory and Gokshradi Guggul would help him with the SHOTHA.
Actual outcome
After 1 month of treatment the patient was able to speak, the speech was clear and understandable and he could speak sentences.
Discussion
The effects of cannabinoids on limiting the cell damage post stroke cannot be denied. Various studies across the globe support the use of medical Cannabis in managing post stroke complications. Our brain produces Glutamate when it is oxygen deprived, as is the case of arterial bleeding or blood clot.
Cannabinoids work as an effective antioxidant, blocking the glutamate damage without delivering any psychoactive effect in turn providing neuro protective effects following a stroke. This formulation was chosen taking into consideration both modern and Ayurveda literature behind the use of Medical Cannabis or Bhanga in Post Stroke Rehabilitation.
Conclusion
This case study shows promising results of Kameshwar Modak on Post Stroke Rehabilitation (Focused on Sensory Rehabilitation). There is a broad scope for the use of Kameshwar Modaka in patients with Mood Swings, Mental Disorders, Epilepsy, Problem of speech and many other disorders and the scope of research seems to be endless.
I further wish to use this formulation on the students experiencing difficulty in performance during VIVAS or in individuals with STAGE FEAR. The DHAIRYA GUNA of BHANGA can be an effective key in overcoming both such conditions.
A word of caution form my side would be – we should be very careful with managing the dosage of Kameshwara Modaka. It should be decided according to the BALA of the patient. Also, the treatment should be well planned and the patient should not develop a habit to be dependent on the formulation for feeling upright.
Case Study shared by Dr. Sameer Paranjpe, Consultant Ayurvedacharya
Published by: HempStreet
