Abstract

MANAGEMENT OF TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA THROUGH PANCHAKARMA THERAPY – A CASE REPORT

Dr. Seema Bahatkar, Dr. Anita Patil and Dr. Pallavi Kailas Wagh*

Abstract

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic neuropathic pain condition that affects the trigeminal i.e. 5th cranial nerve. The intensity of the pain can be physically or mentally incapacitating that’s why it is known as ‘suicidal disease’ as large proportion of subjects commit suicide to get rid of this condition. TN is rare and statistical data regarding it is limited. The estimated annual incidence is 12.6 per 100000 persons per year. Its incidence increases with age. Treatment options include medicines-Anticonvulsant medicines, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, surgery and complementary approaches. Several neurosurgical procedures are available to treat TN. Usually complementary approaches are used in combination with drug treatment, which includes low impact exercise, yoga, creative visualization, aroma therapy, or meditation. As per Ayurvedic classics this condition has close proximity with a shiroroga Anantvata, which is sannipatik in nature. The name itself indicate the extremely vitiated vatadosha. In the present study a case of 65 years old male patient suffering from TN since 4 years is treated successfully with Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies like Virechan and Nasya karma.

Keywords: Trigeminal neuralgia, Anantvata, Virechan, Marsha Nasya.