Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON PAKSHAGHAT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO STROKE

Dr. Shaikh Akhil Shaikh Chand* and Dr. Tabassum Kauser Iqbal Ahmed Khan

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Abstract

Stroke or Hemiplegia can be defined as a clinical feature of one side weakness or paralysis in upper & lower extremities and with same part of face. Hemiplegia is the commonest manifestation of a 'Stroke' with neurological shortage affecting the face, limbs and trunk on one side or either side of the body. Impulses for voluntary movements are conveyed by the pyramidal tracts or upper motor neurons. Destruction to these pyramidal tracts due to any lesion, trauma, ischemia or hemorrhage produces paralysis. In Ayurveda, it can be interrelated with 'Pakshaghata'. In the term „Pakshaghata‟, Paksha indicates an individual‟s flank or side and Ghata indicates destruction, killing, and paralysis. When Vata Dosha gets aggravated, it paralyzes one side of body, either right or left and causes immobility of that side in association with Pain and loss of speech. Aggravated Vata Dosha dries up the Snayu and Strotas of that side of the body, resulting in loss of sensation and incapability of functioning of organs or parts of that side. Acharya Charaka has mentioned Pakshaghata in Vata Nanatmaja Vyadhi and Acharya Sushruta has described in Mahavata Vyadhi.

Keywords: Stroke, Hemiplegia, Pakshaghata, Vata Vyadhi.