Holistic management of Ardhavabhedaka (migraine with aura): A case report

Abstract

Background: Migraine is one of the most common neurovascular disabling disorders encountered in Shalakya practice. It can be defined as a paroxysmal affection with a sudden onset, usually accompanied by a severe, unilateral headache. It is a widespread, chronic, intermittently disabling disorder with or without aura. In Ayurveda, Migraine is described as Ardhavabhedaka, which is a major health issue among people in the age group 20-50 years. The attack gives warning before it strikes, black spots or a brilliant zigzag line appear before the eyes, has blurring of vision or halos around the light. This type of headache is called headache with aura. Clinical Findings: A female patient of 35 years presented with the complaints that she suddenly developed black dots, an urge to loss of vision, and then vision recovered, i.e., on and off vision block associated with recurrent attacks of headache associated with gastric disturbance. She was diagnosed with a case of Migraine with aura and was well managed with the Ayurvedic treatment modalities. Interventions: The treatment was planned after a thorough analysis of the patient based on Ayurvedic principles. Patient was subjected to Shodhana Chikitsa, Kriyakalpa procedures, Shamana Chikitsa, dietary and lifestyle modification. Outcome: Significant changes were observed in the patient, with a reduction in symptoms; the MIDAS score decreased from Grade IV (score>21) to Grade I (score 1), and visual acuity improved from 6/60 to 6/6 in the affected eye. Conclusion: This case report highlights the successful management of a chronic case with a 3-year history, which experienced significant improvement in migraine with aura symptoms over a period of 6 months with Ayurvedic treatment, including 13 days of Panchakarma and 90 days of internal medications, Yoga, and Pranayama.