Ayurvedic Management of Central Cord Syndrome

Abstract

Central Cord Syndrome is the most common form of incomplete spinal cord injuries often caused by hyperextension injuries. A 42 year old male presented with a upper and lower limb weakness associated with difficulty in walking, paresthesia of both upper and lower limbs and urinary hesitancy since 4 months following an assault, MRI findings indicated posterior disc osteophytes complex causing effacement of thecal sac and spinal canal narrowing at multiple cervical vertebrae levels and anterio-posterior diameter suggestive of cervical cord stenosis with hemorrhagic contusion of cervical spinal cord and radiologically diagnosed as CCS, when patient visited the OPD he was ambulant with support, his SCIM score was 91 and Barthel index was 95. The patient was diagnosed as Abhightha janya Upadhathu dushty leading to Sarvanga vata, the patient was treated initially with Deepana pachana medications followed by Vyadhi pratyeneeka medicines along with treatment principles of Vata Vyadhi, Urusthambam external treatments included Rooksha swedas, Udwarthanam, followed by Vaitharana vasthy and Kayasekam. Following the treatments his muscle power improved, paresthesia was reduced, urinary hesitancy resolved, he was able to ambulate without support and was able to climb stairs his SCIM 100 and Barthel index was 95. The case study demonstrates central cord syndrome can be managed through Ayurveda.