Ayurvedic Management of Bell’s Palsy - A Case Report

Background: Bell’s palsy is a sudden and unexplained condition characterized by temporary weakness or paralysis of one side of the face or the areas supplied by the facial nerve, resulting from the paralysis of the peripheral facial nerve. It can be caused by various factors varying from trauma, infection, ischemia, or inflammation that affects the seventh cranial nerve. In Ayurveda, Bell’s palsy can be compared to Ardita Vata, a condition described within the realm of Vatavyadhi Chapter mentioned in various Samhitas and its treatment has also been explained in detail in Samhitas. Aim and Objectives: The effectiveness of different Kriyakalpa techniques, as well as oral medication, was studied and observed in detail in this medical study by investigating a patient with Acute Bell’s palsy. The main goal was to assess the outcomes of these interventions which is a much better option than Allopathic steroids. Settings: A fresh case of Bell’s palsy that had occurred only 24 hours ago was treated at the outpatient Department of Shalakya Tantra OPD at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. The patient’s condition was evaluated before and after receiving the prescribed treatment. Treatment Plan: The individual received Mukhabhyanga (facial massage) with Mahamasha oil, Nadi Sweda (sweating therapy) with Dashamoola herbal decoction fumigation, Marsha Nasya (intranasal treatment) with Panchendriya vardhana oil, and Netratarpana with Ksheerabala oil for seven days in addition to Shamana medication for one month. Result: Significant progress was noted according to the House-Brackmann scale. Following 15 days of therapy, the scale decreased from IV to III, and subsequently to II and I after the 30th day of monitoring. Conclusion: This study demonstrates encouraging and speedy outcomes of Ayurvedic therapy by taking into account factors of Vatavyadhi, particularly Ardita Vata, without exhibiting any complexities.