MANAGEMENT OF FACIAL PALSY (LAQWA) THROUGH UNANI MEDICINE: A CASE SERIES

Abstract

Laqwa (facial palsy) is the most common cranial nerve motor neuropathy and it results in a characteristic facial distortion that is determined in part by the nerves branches involved. In majority of cases the cause is idiopathic. Rabban Tabri has originally described facial palsy entitled it as “laqwa” and explained its treatment. Thousands of people each year develop facial paralysis, a relatively common disorder with many different origins (infectious, traumatic, neoplastic, inflammatory, metabolic or idiopathic). The annual incidence has been estimated to be approximately 70 cases per 100,000 populations. Incidence of unilateral facial paralysis is 1,000 cases per 5 million populations per year. Unani scholars from various part of the world have been treating this condition since centuries successfully. Improvement of facial muscle function begins within first 3 weeks after onset of disease. Different effective regimes are available in Unani system of medicine (USM) for the treatment of Laqwa (facial palsy). Those treatments are effective and having fewer side effects. In the present paper the case studies of two male patients suffering from Laqwa (facial palsy). After series of investigation no definitive etiology could be traced out, hence considered as unilateral Facial palsy of left side, treated with Unani formulations is reported. This case series documented the successful treatment and prevention of recurrence of Laqwa (facial palsy) through Unani medicines. It concluded that the Unani regimen was effective and safe in the management of Laqwa (facial palsy).In most cases, Bell's palsy has a good prognosis and the patient will recover with outpatient therapy without complication.