Integrative multimodal Ayurveda-based Management of Alcohol-Related Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS): A Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v14i2.2547Keywords:
Alcohol use disorder, Case Report, Medhya Rasayana, Smritibhramsha, Unmada, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndromeAbstract
Background: Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome (WKS), chronic neuropsychiatric disorder commonly associated with prolonged alcohol consumption and thiamine deficiency. It frequently leads to persistence of considerable cognitive, behavioral and functional impairment despite standard conventional treatment. In Ayurveda clinical manifestations of alcohol-associated WKS can be understood through the lens of Unmada and Smritibhramsha. Case findings: A 51-year-old male with 16-year history of chronic alcohol intake presented with gradually progressive memory impairment, gait instability, sleep disturbance, mood changes, confusion, craving for alcohol and occupational dysfunction. Patient had a history suggestive of Wernicke encephalopathy managed with standard pharmacological treatment previously, followed by persisting cognitive disturbances. Baseline assessment revealed moderate cognitive impairment, harmful alcohol use pattern, and depressive symptoms when assessed on standardized scales. Intervention: Patient was managed with 6 months structured multimodal integrative Ayurvedic based treatment protocol consisting of Panchakarma therapies Medhya Rasayana and Shamana medications, Satwawajaya Chikitsa, Marma therapy and Yoga-based interventions. Treatments were administered over a phased inpatient, outpatient and home based follow-up manner. Outcomes: Gradual, progressive and sustained neurocognitive as well as functional improvement was observed over follow-up period in terms of psychometric scales like Mini-Mental Status Examination, AUDIT, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. No adverse drug events were reported while compliance with prescribed treatment was good. Conclusion: Over 6 months, multimodal integrative Ayurveda based intervention with systematic follow-up was administered. Which shown progressive and sustained improvement across cognitive function and other symptoms. Case highlight’s potential adjunctive role of Ayurveda-based neuro-rehabilitative intervention in chronic phase of alcohol-related Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome.
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