Hemiplegia (Pakshaghata)

Background

Pakshaghata (Hemiplegia) is one of the major neurological disorders manifested as inability to move the group of muscles of either left or right side of the body. According to modem terminology, Hemiplegia is usually the sequel of cerebro-vascular disorders or stroke and most cerebro-vascular diseases are manifested by the abrupt onset of a focal neurologic deficit. The clinical manifestations of stroke are highly variable because of the complex anatomy of the brain and its vasculature. Other features are weakness, decreased movement control, clonus, spasticity, exaggerated deep tender reflexes and decreased endurance. Hemiplegia is the leading cause of disability resulting into enormous socio economic implications.

The terms Paksaghata, Paksavadha and Ekanga-roga are synonyms of the same disease and are used in classical treatises in various contexts. Charaka included it in the classification of Nanatmaja Vyadhi due to predominance of Vata Dosha. The disease affects the Madhyama Roga Marga (Marma and Asthi Sandhi) and disrupts the functions of Sira (blood vessels), Snayu (ligaments) Kandara (tendon) etc. The modem life style, dietary habits, lack of proper exercise, injudicious way of physical activities and mental stress and strain are said to have definite role in the occurrence of Paksaghata.

Intervention/Approaches

The following are some interventions/approaches based on CCRAS research from published sources.

Patients having paralysis /weakness of both limbs, muscle rigidity, numbness and body ache:

• Samirapannaga Rasa - 250mg along with honey twice a day for 14 days.
  
  • Abhyanga - 50ml Nirgundi Taila for 14 days.
  • Swedana- Shashtikashali Pinda Sweda for 14 days.
• Ekangavira Rasa- 250mg along with honey twice a day for 14 days.
  • Abhyanga - 50ml Masha Taila for 14 days.
  • Swedana- Shashtikashali Pinda Sweda for 14 days. 3,4

Patients having cerebral edema, muscles stiffness and body pain:

• Dhanvantharam Gutika- one tab along with 60ml Bhadradarvyadi
  • Kvatha thrice a day.
  • Abhyanga - 50ml Brihat Masha Taila for 14 days.
  • Swedana- Shashtikashali Pinda Sweda for 14 days.
• Ekangavira Rasa-125mg along with nirgundi(Vitex negundo) Patra Swaras thrice a day.
  • Abhyanga - 50ml Brihat Masha Taila for 14 days.
  • Swedana- Shashtikashali Pinda Sweda for 14 days.

Patients having body pain and muscles weakness and not responding to other treatment:

• Snehapana- Murchhita Tila Taila for 7 days.
• Swedana- Vaspa Sweda for 3 days.
• Virechana- Emada Taila for one day.
• Samsaijana karma- 7 days.
• Abhyanga-Brihat Masha Taila for 7 days.
• Asthapana Vasti with
  
  • Eranda mula(Ricinus communis) Kwatha - 600ml
  • Tila (Sesamum indicum) Taila - 180ml
  • Satahwa (Anethum sowa Kurz)- 24gm
  • Honey - 180ml
  • Saindhava Lavana-12gm
• Nasya with Kshirabala Taila thrice a day for 7 days.

Patients having paralysis/weakness of both limbs, difficulty in walking, rigidity/flaccidity, burning sensation, numbness and pain:

• Snehapana- Ksheerabala Taila for 7 days.
• Swedana- Vashpa Swedana for 3 days.
• Virechana- Eranda Taila for one day.
• Vastikarma- Yogavasti for 8 days.
• Anuvasana Vasti - Ksheerabala Taila.
• Niruha Vasti - Dasmoola Kwatha.
• Nasya- Ksheerabala Taila for 7 days.

Medicinal Plants useful in Hemiplegia (Pakshaghata)

Source : Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences