Integrated ayurvedic management of kampavata in young-onset parkinson's disease: A case report

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, along with non-motor manifestations like disturbed sleep, cognitive changes, and fatigue. In Ayurveda, Parkinson’s disease is correlated with Kampavata (Vepathu), which is a disease due to predominance of Vata Dosha. The present case report describes an Indian male, aged 39 years, with four-year history of generalized tremors (worsened in crowds), pain in left side of body, rigidity, and disturbed sleep. His neurological examination revealed advanced-stage Young onset Parkinsonism, with his MDS-UPDRS score being 169. After limited response to allopathic management, he was admitted in Panchakarma department for Ayurvedic treatment. His Ayurvedic management was done according to classical Vatavyadhi chikitsa. The regime included Udvartana, Sarvanga Abhyanga, Nadi Swedana, Sadyovirechana, Shamana medication internally, and yoga and meditation. Post-treatment MDS-UPDRS score reduced to 100 (40.8% improvement). Tremor intensity, rigidity, gait, and sleep were all significantly improved after treatment. The present case report shows that Panchakarma and Shamana treatment regime can produce clinically significant improvement in Parkinsonism.