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Teachers colony, Darwha, dist. Yavatmal
Contact No. : 9405950854, Email : nikitagdeulkar@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 29 Sep 2026

Date of Publication : 30 Sep 2026

Article ID : SD-IJAY_198

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2026.4304

Abstract

Introduction

CVA is defined as a focal neurological deficit due to a vascular lesion, and stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in India.^[1] Systematic reviews of population-based registries report a crude annual incidence in the range of roughly 105–172 per 100,000 population, with uncontrolled hypertension identified as the single largest attributable risk factor for both first-ever and recurrent stroke.^[1] Survivors frequently live with residual hemiparesis, gait disturbance and speech impairment long after the acute event has been managed.

Ayurveda describes such unilateral motor and sensory impairment as Pakshaghata, a Vatapredominant Nanatmaja Vatavyadhi affecting the Sira, Snayu and Kandara of one half of the body, including the face.^[2] The term Pakshaghata is derived from Paksha, meaning either half of the body, and Aghata, meaning impairment of Karmendriya (motor function) and Gyanendriya (sensory function).^[11] Management described across classical texts centres on Snehana, Swedana, Basti (regarded as the principal therapy for Vatavyadhi), Nasya and Vata-Kapha-pacifying internal medication, frequently combined in contemporary practice with physiotherapy.

Discussion

This case illustrates recurrence of ischaemic cerebrovascular disease in a patient with over a decade of poorly-controlled hypertension — a pattern well recognised in Indian stroke-epidemiology data, where uncontrolled blood pressure is consistently identified as the leading modifiable risk factor for both first and recurrent stroke.^[1] Ayurveda views Vata as the primary causative Dosha in Pakshaghata, and its pathogenesis is described as progressing from an early, correctable stage of muscular flaccidity to a later stage of fixed contracture; Snehana and Swedana administered early are said to prevent this progression, with Abhyanga additionally improving local blood supply and preventing disuse muscular changes.^[12] Swedana specifically alleviates Sthambha (stiffness), Gaurava (heaviness) and Sheetata (coldness) in the affected limbs,^[13] which corresponds to the Nadi Sweda given to this patient’s right upper and lower limb.

Virechana is considered an important line of management in Pakshaghata, since both Vata and Pitta Doshas are held to be disturbed, and Virechana helps eliminate the vitiated Doshas;^[14] in this patient, a  Eranda Taila was administered at bedtime for this purpose, Eranda Taila being classically and pharmacologically documented for its Vatapacifying and mild purgative actions.^[20] Basti was given as Sahachar Taila Anuvasana with

Dashamuladi Kwatha Niruha in an 8-day Yoga Basti schedule, followed by a Yapana-type maintenance Basti; Sahachar Taila is a well-described Vatashamaka oil used in Basti for Vatavyadhi,^[15] and Dashamula-based Niruha Basti is specifically indicated in Vata-predominant disorders. Nasya with Panchendriya Vardhana Taila was used for its Vatashamaka action and its classically described access to the Shirah-Pradesh, the principal seat (Adhishthana) of the Indriyas, by way of the nasal route.^[16]

Among      the      oral      formulations,      Bruhat

Vatachintamani Rasa is attributed with Medhya (nervine), Rasayana, Balya and Ojovardhana properties and has a documented, targeted role in the management of Pakshaghata;^[9,17] the improvement in sleep observed in this patient is consistent with its traditional sedative, central-nervous-systemmodulating action. Capsule Palsineuron, a proprietary combination of Ekangaveera Rasa, Mahavatavidhwamsa Rasa, Sameerpannag Rasa and Sutashekhara Rasa — all classically indicated in Vataja Roga — was continued through the course of treatment to address limb weakness and stiffness.^[18] Jivha Pratisarana with Vacha, Chitrak and Pippali churna was used for the reported speech difficulty; Vacha in particular is a key Medhya Dravya described for its role in speech and cognitive

disorders.^[19]

Two observations from this case merit specific attention. First, although muscle power improved substantially on the right side (upper limb 3/5 to 5/5; lower limb 3/5 to 5/5), the right plantar response remained extensor throughout, indicating that pyramidal tract involvement had not fully resolved despite the functional gain — an important distinction for patient counselling and continued rehabilitation planning. Second, several of the prescribed formulations, notably Bruhat Vatachintamani Rasa, are herbo-mineral (RasaBhasma) preparations that should be sourced only from Good Manufacturing Practice-certified manufacturers and used under continued clinical supervision. This report, like similar recently published Pakshaghata case series with which its findings are broadly concordant,^[3–6] has the inherent limitations of a single case: no control comparison and a short (15-day) observation window without a validated stroke-specific outcome scale such as the Barthel Index or modified Rankin Scale.^[8] The improvement described should therefore be interpreted as a preliminary clinical observation rather than evidence of efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Conclusion

References

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