AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CEREBRAL PALSY: REPORT OF TWO CASES WITH REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common cause of childhood disability. It is defined as 'a group of non progressive but often changing motor impairment syndromes which are secondary to anomalies or lesions of brain arising in early stages of its development'. The prevalence of CP varies from 1.5 to 2.5 per 1000 live births. There was no clarity regarding the Ayurvedic aspect of CP. The present study reporting two cases of CP diagnosed and treated as per the lines of 'Phakka roga' according to Ayurveda. The Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) was used to evaluate the gross motor function. Total two assessments were carried out on the first day of treatment and on 30th day of treatment. The diagnosis of Phakka roga should be considered while approaching the case of CP. Agnimandya, amavastha and kaphavastha should be considered while planning the line of treatment in CP cases. The treatment modality of the present study is highly effective in relieving the signs and symptoms and reducing the disability in children with CP. Rookshana procedure like udwartana seems to be beneficial in reducing the spasticity along with improvement in agnimandya, amavastha and kaphavastha.