Ayurvedic Management of Pakshaghata (Hemiparesis) Following Ischaemic and Haemorrhagic Stroke: A Comparative Care-Compliant Case Report

Abstract

Pakshaghata, classified among the Nanatmaja Vatavyadhi in Ayurveda, clinically corresponds to hemiparesis resulting from cerebrovascular accidents. Stroke-related hemiparesis remains a major cause of long-term disability despite advances in conventional care. Two male patients diagnosed with Pakshaghata were managed using personalized Ayurvedic interventions. Subject A (60 years) presented with left-sided hemiparesis following ischaemic stroke, while Subject B (44 years) had right-sided hemiparesis following haemorrhagic stroke. Both underwent a 30-day treatment protocol comprising Shamana medications based on Bengal school of Ayurveda and Shodhana chikitsa, including Madhutailika Yapana Basti, Snehana, Swedana. Both patients demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in muscle power, tone, joint mobility, gait, and speech articulation, with greater improvement observed in Subject B. No adverse events were noted. This comparative case report suggests that structured Ayurvedic management, particularly Bengal school based Shamana chikitsa with Basti-based interventions, may play a beneficial role in post-stroke hemiparesis rehabilitation. Larger controlled studies are warranted.