Stroke is a common medical emergency and can happen any time and leads to death. It is the third biggest cause of death worldwide. In Ayurveda stroke can be correlated to Pakshaghata. Pakshaghata is caused due to the vitiation of vata Dosha which controls all motor and sensory activities.
Most common symptoms of stroke are sudden weakness of affected part of the body. Along with weakness numbness and partial or some time complete loss of functions of affected parts. Two kinds of treatments involved in the management of stroke. One is emergency treatment, second, is to restore the physiological functions include rehabilitation treatments. An earlier care in post stroke management can result better recovery.
What is stroke?
Stroke is a common medical emergency and can happen any time and leads to death. It is the third biggest cause of death worldwide. It is also known as cardiovascular accident (CVA), in which sudden death of the brain cells occurs due to lack of blood flow to brain. This can be due to any blockage in the artery supplying to the brain, which causes an ischemic condition due to lack of oxygen and nutrients to some particular area of the brain. The blockage can be complete or partial and affects functions of the brain cells. Stroke can also occur due to bursting of blood vessel in the brain or causing bleeding in surrounding brain tissue.
Sign and symptoms of stroke:
Most common symptoms of stroke are sudden weakness of affected part of the body. Along with weakness numbness and partial or some time complete loss of functions of affected parts, like face tongue eyes, limbs etc.
Other symptoms are – severe headache, body aches, loss of balance, poor coordination, fainting, fatigue, sometime loss of consciousness, dizziness etc
Common Causes and Risk Factors:
Hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hyper lipoedema, atherosclerosis smoking, overweight, certain medications, illegal drugs, and alcohol abuse can increase risk of stroke as these conditions cause damage to blood vessel walls and can lead to blockages or ruptures.
Ayurveda view of stroke:
In Ayurveda stoke is associated with imbalance of vata functions, any kind of deviation or restriction in the movement or flow of vata which cause drying of vessels and damage to surrounding structures leading to impaired mobility and response. Stroke can be correlated to Pakshaghata (paralysis or plegias), caused due to the vitiation of vata Dosha which controls all motor and sensory activities. Hence, Ayurveda line of treatment of stroke more focused on balancing vata improving circulation and restoring functions of effected structures by nourishing them.
Diagnosis of stroke:
With medical history and physical examination about muscle strength, responses to the stimuli, coordination, sign and symptoms stroke can be diagnosed by a physician. Other techniques include neurological examination MRI, CT Scan and Doppler Ultrasound etc.
Available treatments of stroke:
Two kinds of treatments involved in the management of stroke. One is emergency treatment protocol includes medicines and sometime surgical procedures. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize brain damage. Emergency treatment of stroke depends on the cause of the stroke and immediate treatment with in 3 hours of first sign or symptom aid to quick recovery.
Second, is to restore the physiological functions include rehabilitation treatments. Rehabilitation helps to restore normal physiology of the affected part and supports physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Rehabilitation treatment of stroke at Ketav’s Ayush Health Paradise
Ayurveda treatments focused on rearranging the deranged vitiated Vata Dosha, which controls the motor and sensory activities in the body. A prolonged and intense rehabilitation therapy required for the recovery after stroke. Ayurveda rehabilitation treatment includes, internal medicines, external therapies, yoga, meditation, food and life style changes. A planned treatment approach to bring back natural physiology by restoring the Dosha balance and reviving the tissues by improving blood flow and nourishing them is main line of treatment followed at Ketav’s Ayush Health Paradise. A set of Ayurveda therapies planned for the duration of 15 or 12 days along with the oral medications. Oral herbal preparations helps to boost the irrigation to the brain and supply natural antioxidants Ahence increase the oxygenation, which rejuvenate the cells and decrease the cell death. Ayurveda Panchkarma therapies help to detoxify the body by eliminating toxins (Ama), build in the body due to the Vata Dosha imbalance. Detoxification helps to enhance blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and boost natural healing. Rejuvenation therapies after detoxification enhance physical and neurological restoration by an efficient tissues repair. Ayurveda therapies helps to rebuild the strength, restore vitality and improve cognitive functions.
Emotion health also a concern post stroke rehabilitation, here at Ketav’s Ayush Health Paradise we provide a holistic treatment which helps to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and contribute of overall physical, mental and emotional health and enhanced recovery. For panchakarma treatment we are here for you.
An earlier care in post stroke management can result better recovery