CEREBRAL PALSY - AN AYURVEDIC COMPREHENSION

*Dr. P. L. Alaekhya, B.A.M.S.

ABSTRACT

Cerebral palsy is the leading cause of childhood disability affecting cognitive function and developments in approximately 1.5 to 3 cases per 1,000 live births It is a group of non progressive but often changing motor impairment syndromes which are secondary to anomalies or lesions of brain arising in early stages of its development. There is no similar disease or symptom complex in Ayurveda similar to Cerebral Palsy. It is considered as Shiro Marma abhigathaja bala Vata Vyadhi and classified under Janma Bala Pravritti Vyadhi. The diagnosis of Phakka roga is considered while approaching the cases of cerebral palsy. There is no specific treatment for cerebral palsy as there is no cure for it. All the treatment modalities focus around improving the functional capacity of the child. The Ayurvedic treatment of cerebral palsy focuses on treating the presenting symptoms and attempting to reverse the brain damage. Overall goal of treatment is to help the individual with cerebral palsy reach his or her greatest potential physically, mentally, and socially. It is to improve the quality of life by establishing optimal independence. Therapies like Abhyanga swedam, Nasyam, Pichu, Shirodhara, Pizhichil, Navara or mamsakizhi, Vasti along with oral drugs are the Ayurvedic options based on the presentation.

Keywords: Cerebral Palsy; Janma bala pravrutta Vyadhi; Phakka roga;.Vata Vyadhi; Shiro Marma Abhighata.