Abstract

CLINICAL APPROACH TO ABHIGHATAJA PANGU VATA (CAUDA EQUINA SYNDROME) THROUGH AYURVEDA- CASE STUDY

D. Hemalatha1 and K. Harshavardhana Appaji

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Abstract

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is a relatively rare clinical syndrome caused by compression of a collection of nerve roots called the cauda equina and can result in significant morbidity if not treated. The most common cause is a herniated lumbar disc. Other pathologic conditions associated with CES include tumors, trauma, spinal stenosis, spinal epidural hematoma, and epidural abscess. CES has been described as a complex of symptoms and signs—low back pain, unilateral or bilateral sciatica, motor weakness of lower extremities, sensory disturbance in saddle area, and loss of visceral function—resulting from compression of the cauda equina. In modern system of medicine, management includes Surgical procedures such as lumbar laminectomy, decompression and micro-discectomy which are costly and prognosis is being poor and all these modalities have their own limitations and complications. In Ayurveda, symptoms of CES can be correlated with Abhighātaja Pangu vāta. An effort has been made in the present study to evaluate the efficacy of Kāla vasti in the conservative management of CES. A case of CES with complaints of weakness of bilateral lower limbs along with numbness, Low back ache and walking difficulty, was treated with Vājigandhādi vasti in Kāla vasti format. Patient was observed for symptomatic improvements based on assessment of ASIA impairment scale, Barthel index score, walking time, and symptoms before and after treatment. Patient was observed for complications during whole course of treatment, no complications were seen. The therapy provided marked relief from weakness, numbness, pain and difficulty in walking. The Ayurvedic management is observed to be effective in Cauda equina syndrome.

Keywords: Abhighataja Pangu vata., Cauda equina syndrome, Vajigandhadi Kala Vasti