Abstract

CONCEPT OF POST-STROKE DEPRESSION IN AYURVEDA: A SCIENTIFIC REVIEW

Rajesh Jain*, K. S. Girhepunje, K. H. H. V. S. S. Narasimha Murthy and J. S. Tripathi

Abstract

A complex picture is emerging in which the sequence of causality seems to spiral on itself as the medical science is learning more about the interaction between depression and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Progressive brain damage, impaired cognition, depression, dementia, and cardiac disorders, all seem to be responsible to lead to one or another. Depression is an important poststroke complication, which influence on persons quality of life, because it is associated with general disability and mortality. In Ayurveda the word stroke can be interrelated with pakshaghata. The person who had a Pakshaghata may have to come to terms with the loss of many of their hopes and plans for the future, as well as having to adapt to a changed role in the family, and possibly the loss of a career. As many of us value ourselves through everyday activities like bathing etc., the impact of a pakshagata can result in loss of confidence and lowered feelings of self-worth.

Keywords: Depression, Pakshaghata, Stroke, Vatavyadhi, Mana, Avasada.