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Ayurvedic management of pakshaghata following ischemic stroke: A single case study
By Dr. G. Vinay Mohan*, Girish Dharmannavar and Dr. Kshitij Sudhir Chinchalikar.
Abstract
Background
Pakshaghata is characterized by weakness or paralysis on one side of the body and has clinical features that may overlap with post-stroke hemiparesis. This illustrative case describes Ayurvedic care alongside conventional stroke treatment and rehabilitation.
Case presentation
A 46-year-old man with hypertension and a history of tobacco use developed sudden right-sided weakness and slurred speech. Brain MRI showed a left-sided ischemic stroke. After acute hospital treatment, he had persistent right hemiparesis and needed assistance with walking and daily activities. An illustrative four-week care plan comprised supervised physiotherapy, ongoing prescribed stroke medicines, and individualized Ayurvedic treatment including abhyanga (oil massage) and swedana (fomentation). Outcome and conclusion: In this hypothetical course, right upper-limb muscle power improved from 2/5 to 3/5 and lower-limb power from 3/5 to 4/5; the Modified Barthel Index rose from 45/100 to 65/100. These changes describe recovery during combined care and cannot establish the effect of the Ayurvedic procedures. The case illustrates how functional measures and concurrent treatments can be reported transparently in post-stroke care.