A Case Study on the Ayurvedic Managment of Spastic Cerebral Palsy Due to Birth Asphyxia

Background: Cerebral palsy is a disorder of motor control due to a static lesion of the developing brain. It was described almost 150 years ago. Global incidence of Cerebral Palsy is 2 to 2.5/1000 children but in Indian scenario, incidence is 03.8% of population. In India about twenty-five Lakh children are suffering from cerebral palsy. Most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic which cover 70% to 75% of overall. There is no exact correlation found for cerebral palsy in Ayurvedic literature but may be the result of Shiromarmabhighata (injury to brain) and can be considered as Vata Vikara or Vata Vyadhi (neurological disorders). Aim: To assess the effect of certain oral medication with Purvakarma (preparatory procedures) and Panchakarma procedures (Five-fold measures of Bio-cleansing) in the management of Cerebral Palsy (CP). Material and Method: In this case study, one case of Spastic cerebral palsy was registered and treated with multiple Ayurvedic treatment modalities. Total period of treatment was 93 days in which 5 days of Abhyanga (Massage) with Nadi swedana (steam kettle Sudation), 5 days of Abhyanga (Massage) with Shashti Shali Pinda Swedana (a type of Sudation) and then 7 days of Matra Vasti (Enema by Medicated oil in small dose) by Ksheera Bala Taila; this schedule of treatment was given three times with a gap of 14 days. Vacha mula (Root of Acorus calamus) and Samvardhana Ghrita was given as internal medication during the total course of treatment. Results were assessed by progress in delayed milestone, anthropometrical measurement, modified Ashworth scale, muscle power grading and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) scale. Result: Treatment protocol of oral medication with Panchkarma delivered better result in CP patient, especially improving anthropometric data (weight, height, chest circumference), delaying milestone (walking and language), reducing spasticity and improved Quality of Life (QOL). Conclusion: Cerebral palsy is a disorder of motor function. The cause originates from the brain sometime during its developmental period. Internal medication along with Purvakarma (preparatory procedures) and Panchakarma (Five-fold measures of Bio-cleansing) give significant improvement in all the facets of spastic CP.