RECENT ADVANCES IN AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CEREBRAL PALSY AFFECTED CHILDREN

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common chronic motor disability among developmental disorder prevalent world widely among pediatric population. It is a group of condition characterized by motor dysfunction due to non progressive brain damage in its early developing period; often accompanied by other features like seizures, behavioral disorder, cognitive impairment and other secondary musculoskeletal problems restricting them from normal independency. The condition poses considerable therapeutic challenge to the treating physician. Currently there is no specific treatment available in modern medical science to counteract the brain insult leading to motor dysfunction in CP. The available therapeutic interventions are mostly symptomatic and costlier. Recent advances in Ayurvedic clinical research have shown increased understanding of etiopathogenesis, its causal pathway of presentation and the value of specific intervention strategies in the management of Cerebral palsy. Ayurveda recommends multiple treatment options for intervention at various levels. Out of them, Panchkarma therapy and oral herbal formulations with properties of anti spasticity, anti convulsant, neurogenerative capacity etc. plays a vital role in the management. This paper provides a critical review on the effect of currently available treatment modalities of Ayurveda that can efficiently manage Cerebral palsy.