Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA: A CASE STUDY

*Singh Daya Shankar, Sahu Shrawan Kumar and Sharma Abhishek Bhusha

Abstract

Described as one among the most painful conditions known to mankind, trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a neuropathic disorder characterized by episodes of intense pain in the face, originating from the trigeminal nerve. Even after the availability of newer and newer medicines along with surgical advancement coupled with novel techniques, there is lack of promising results against this ailment. But this distressing condition can be well managed by adopting the timetested healing system of medicine i.e. Ayurveda. This case study throws light on Ayurvedic management of the predicament. This study presents the case of a middle-aged woman who, despite neurosurgical decompressive surgery, radiofrequency ablation therapy, as well as multiple specialty referrals including dentistry and a specialist pain clinic review, continued to experience frequent, severe and disabling episodes of right-sided facial pain, attributing to trigeminal neuralgia. Her symptoms rapidly responded to a trial of Ayurvedic therapy and the benefits remained well sustained with Vata Pitta Shamak medicines prescribed on the line of treatment of Anantavata-the Ayurvedic equivalent of TN.

Keywords: Trigeminal neuralgia, Ayurveda, Anantavata.