A chronic case of Bell’s palsy and its management through Ayurveda: case study

Abstract

Background: Bell’s palsy is an acute idiopathic condition that develops due to peripheral facial nerve paralysis of sudden onset, usually affecting the face by temporary weakness or paralysis of the face. With various aetiologies (infection, trauma, ischemia, or inflammation) affecting the seventh cranial nerve are the pathogenesis to originating the symptoms of Bells’s palsy. According to Ayurveda, this condition can be correlated with Ardita Vata, which is described under the umbrella of Vatavyadhi Chikitsa. Aim and Objectives: The study has been documented to evaluate the efficacy of Panchakarma procedures along with Shamana Aushadhi (oral medication) in the management of a patient with chronic Bell’s palsy. Settings: A 1-year-old chronic case of Bell’s palsy was managed in out patient department-based Panchakarma treatment at AIIA, New Delhi, and the patient was assessed both before and after the given treatment. Treatment Plan: The patient was administered Mukhabhyanga (massage on face) with Asana Bilwadi Taila, Nadi Sweda (sudation) with Dashamoola Ksheer Dhooma, Nasya (transnasal medication) with Avartita Ksheerbala Taila in Arohana Matra (increasing dose), and Kavala (Gargling) with Saindhavadi Taila and Irimedadi Taila for 14 days along with Shamana medication for one month. Result: Marked improvement was observed on the basis of House–Brackmann scale; continuous teardrops from the eye were completely stopped. After 15 days of treatment, the scale was reduced from IV to III, and then II, I, respectively after the 30th day and 60th day during the follow-up. Conclusion: This case showed promising and quick results of Ayurveda treatment by considering aspects of Vatavyadhi, specifically Ardita Vata, even after 1 year of chronicity without showing any complications.