Management of Pakka vatham (Hemiplegia) –A Single Case Study

Abstract

The latest WHO data published in 2014 deaths caused by stroke was reached 9.94% of total death. The prevalence of stroke in India is approximately 200 per 100 000 persons Hemiplegia is one of the more common disabling conditions.Classical Siddha text book Theran maruthuvam bharatham says that Vatham is a generative energy. In Hemiplegia cases regeneration and development of nerve cells is affected. Hence it is coming under Vatha diseases. Cardinal features of Pakkavatham includes impaired motor activity, pain, slurring of speech, weakness of joints, mouth deviation and fasciculation of tongue. The present article deals with diagnosed case of Cerebro Vascular Accident presenting with left sided hemiplegia. Patient consent was obtained.Clinical assessments were made before and after treatments using the MRC (Medical Research Council) criteria for Grading of Muscles power and Reflexes. Patient prognoses were noted. Maximum improvement was noticed in the symptoms of facial palsy, aphasia and dysarthria. According to the observations in the present study, MRC score at the beginning of treatment was showing complete dependence which improved gradually over the end of 5^th week proving remarkable recovery. Assessment showed considerable recovery in power and reflexes. There was improvement in left lower and upper limb functions and he could walk without support. Siddha treatment plan and management plays key role in the management of Pakkavatham.