Ayurvedic Treatment Protocol in Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is a syndrome of heterogeneous group of condition characterized by permanent, non-progressive dysfunction of motor system arising due to non-progressive insult to developing brain. In India, prevalence of CP is 3/1000 live births. Prime goal of management is improvement in a child's developmental abilities and prevention of secondary impairments. Patient information: 7 years old male patient known case of spastic cerebral palsy presenting with symptoms: unable to stand and walk without support, speech delay, tightness of all four limbs and reduced range of motion of joints. Materials and Methods: In this study based on the principles of Vata Vyadhi and Avarana Vyadhi Chikitsa - Snehana, Swedana, Srodhosodana and Brihmana was done for 86 days (Udvartana Abhyanga - Sweda, Basti, Shiropichu, Shirodhara, Pradhamana and Pratimarsha Nasya and Asyapratisarana along with physiotherapy). Spasticity assessment by MAS and improvement in range of movement, muscle power by MRC scale, motor development by CDC grading, and quality of life by ADL scale and MACS. Result: MAS showed 20-40% improvement. MRC scale had 20% improvement. ADL scale showed 33.33% improvement, MACS scale had 40% improvement, in CDC 16.66%-42.85% degree improvement. Improvement in Range of movement was noted within the range 10.44-86.66%. Conclusion: Case study is an attempt to emphasize the effect of an ayurvedic treatment protocol in reducing spasticity and improving the quality of life of a child with spastic cerebral palsy.