AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF BELL’S PALSY: A CASE STUDY

Introduction: Vatavyadhi is considered one of Mahagada. Ardita vata is one among the vatavyadhi, which may be correlated to Bell’s palsy due to the resemblance of signs and symptoms like deviation of angle of the mouth, decreased function of the affected muscle, numbness or pain in the affected side of the face. Bell’s palsy is the most common unilateral lower motor neuron facial palsy that usually develops spontaneously. Bell’s palsy is around 23 per 100,000 people per year, and it affects men and women equally, with a peak incidence between the age group 10-40 years. Ardita can be successfully managed with Ayurvedic treatment, viz. Nasya karma, Murdhni taila, Karnapurana, Snehana Svedana. Materials and method: A 49-year-old male patient complained of deviation of the angle of the mouth towards the left side and was unable to close the right eye for four days was reported to Panchakarma OPD of Alva’s Ayurveda Medical College and hospital, Moodbidri. Snehana, Svedana, Nasya karma and Murdhni taila were selected, along with internal medications and Kinesio taping. The duration and outcome of the treatments were recorded. Result: The patient recovered markedly with the treatment. Conclusion: Ardita can be managed successfully with various Panchakarma measures, internal medications, and the taping technique.