Ayurvedic management and rehabilitation of brachial plexopathy: A case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v14i6.2822Keywords:
Brachial plexopathy, Case report, Kakshadhara marmabhigatha, Pakshagatha, RehabilitationAbstract
Background: Brachial plexopathy is a neurological disorder caused by injury to brachial plexus leading to weakness, sensory disturbances, and impaired upper limb function. Traumatic injuries especially resulting from road traffic accidents are the most common causes of brachial plexopathy. In Ayurveda it can be correlated with Kakshadhara marmabhighata causing Pakshaghata (Paralysis). This case report evaluates the role of Ayurveda management along with rehabilitation exercises in improving functional recovery.
Clinical findings: A 56-year-old male presented with 1 year and 4 months history of weakness of the right upper limb following a road traffic accident. MRI suggested brachial plexus injury with preserved nerve continuity.
Intervention: The patient underwent Ayurveda management including stagewise treatment with rukshana (drying), snehana (Oleation), shodhana (purification), shamana (pacification), and brimhana (nourishing) therapies, both externally and internally, along with rehabilitation exercises.
Results: Gradual improvement was observed in shoulder mobility, muscle strength, girth and overall functional use of the affected limb. Grip strength and coordination improved as well. The DASH score reduced from 55 to 29, indicating improvement in upper limb function. Tinel’s sign became negative, indicating nerve recovery.
Conclusion: The outcome in the present case of post-traumatic postganglionic brachial plexopathy with preserved nerve continuity was satisfactory. Following 2 months of stagewise Ayurvedic management and rehabilitation exercises, improvement was observed in ROM, muscle strength, grip function, and upper limb performance, with benefits maintained during the 2-month follow-up period, suggesting potential role of ayurveda in the conservative management of such cases.
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