STROKE PARALYSIS CARE - PAKSHAGHATA

Stroke Paralysis is a common medical emergency and can happen anytime and the third leading cause of death worldwide. Stroke also known as CVA (Cardiovascular Accident) is the sudden death of some brain cells due to lack of oxygen when the blood flow to the brain is lost by blockage of an artery to the brain. It's the most common cause of adult disability. Stroke can be correlated with the disease Pakshaghata in Ayurveda.

Paralysis is a condition when a person is unable to move their muscles. The cause of stroke paralysis is a disruption in the transmission of neural impulses between the brain and the muscles. In most cases, stroke paralysis affects the opposite side, where the stroke damages the brain. Paralysis may affect only the face, an arm or a leg, but most often, one entire side of the body and face is affected. A person who suffers a stroke in the left hemisphere (side) of the brain will show right-sided paralysis

There are various types of paralysis based on their location such as:

A stroke may be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may experience only a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain (transient ischemic attack, or TIA) that doesn't cause permanent damage

Many factors can increase your stroke risk. Some factors can also increase your chances of having a heart attack. Potentially treatable stroke risk factors include:

Watch for these signs and symptoms if you think you or someone else may be having a stroke. Pay attention to when the signs and symptoms begin. The length of time they have been present can affect your treatment options so immediately shift to the nearest hospital, quick action and perhaps save a life.

Trouble With Speaking And Understanding. You may experience confusion. You may slur your words or have difficulty understanding speech.

Paralysis Or Numbness Of The Face, Arm Or Leg. You may develop sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in your face, arm or leg. This often happens just on one side of your body. Try to raise both your arms over your head at the same time. If one arm begins to fall, you may be having a stroke. Also, one side of your mouth may droop when you try to smile.

Trouble With Seeing In One Or Both Eyes. You may suddenly have blurred or blackened vision in one or both eyes, or you may see double.

Headache. A sudden, severe headache, which may be accompanied by vomiting, dizziness or altered consciousness, may indicate you're having a stroke.

Trouble With Walking. You may stumble or experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination.

Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.

The good news is that you can stop the brain damage caused by a stroke if you respond quickly for treatment. The cautionary signs of stroke, and to get help right away if you see them.

It can help stroke patients get treatments they desperately need. It's important to act quickly and get medical help as The stroke treatments that work best are available only if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms.

Follow Simple Test:

F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person simple phrases to repeat. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you see any of these signs, take him to the nearest hospital

Note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers to determine the best treatment for each person.

Note the time when any symptoms first appear. This information helps health care providers to determine the best treatment for each person.

A stroke can sometimes cause temporary or permanent disabilities, depending on how long the brain lacks blood flow and which part was affected. Complications may include:

Paralysis Or Loss Of Muscle Movement. You may become paralyzed on one side of your body, or lose control of certain muscles, such as those on one side of your face or one arm. Physical therapy may help you return to activities affected by paralysis, such as walking, eating and dressing.

Difficulty Talking Or Swallowing. A stroke might affect control of the muscles in your mouth and throat, making it difficult for you to talk clearly (dysarthria), swallow (dysphagia) or eat. You also may have difficulty with language (aphasia), including speaking or understanding speech, reading, or writing. Therapy with a speech-language pathologist might help.

Memory Loss Or Thinking Difficulties. Many people who have had strokes experience some memory loss. Others may have difficulty thinking, making judgments, reasoning and understanding concepts.

Emotional Problems. People who have had strokes may have more difficulty controlling their emotions, or they may develop depression.

Pain. Pain, numbness or other strange sensations may occur in the parts of the body affected by stroke. For example, if a stroke causes you to lose feeling in your left arm, you may develop an uncomfortable tingling sensation in that arm. People also may be sensitive to temperature changes, especially extreme cold, after a stroke. This complication is known as central stroke pain or central pain syndrome. This condition generally develops several weeks after a stroke, and it may improve over time. But because the pain is caused by a problem in your brain, rather than a physical injury, there are few treatments.

Changes In Behavior And Self-Care Ability. People who have had strokes may become more withdrawn and less social or more impulsive. They may need help with grooming and daily chores.

Ayurvedic paralysis treatment is done by finding the causes of paralysis according to ayurvedic texts. This disease has been discussed in Ayurveda under Vatavyadhi disorder. There are various terms such as Paksaghata, Paksha Vadha and EkangaVata that have been used to describe Paralysis in Ayurveda.

The Ayurvedic Paralysis attack treatment focuses on stabilizing the dosha balance. Improving nervous strength is the prime target of this treatment. This treatment includes excellent Panchakarma therapies and ayurvedic medicine along with oral medications. The therapies like Abhyanga swedan, Nasyam, Karna pooranam, Snehapanam, Virechanam, Shirovasti, Sarvangadhara (Pizhichil), Pichu, and Vasti, etc. are done as per the ayurvedic texts under the guidance of ayurvedic experts.

Massage - Abhayagam - with symptom specific medicated oils followed by medicated fomentation helps to increase circulation also strengthens the muscles and nerves. Warm herbal oils are extremely beneficial for Ayurvedic massages. The Ayurvedic massages that could be beneficial to paralyzed patients are done according to the proper methods of the ayurvedic texts.

Purgation - Virechana - It is also known as Purgative therapy. To increase the Metabolism, to relieve constipations, strengthens the gut, also helps to improve the functioning of the nerves in the affected area. These wastes are eliminated through the lower pathway of the body. Virechana is used for Pitta disorder to cleanse the primary site of the pitta where is in the stomach and small intestine. It is the best Paralysis treatment in Ayurveda.

Medicated Enema – Basti - It is also called Enema therapy. The therapy purifies the colon where the primary location of Vata nourishes the body in the form of Matra Basti, Anuvasana Basti, Nirooha Basti for the period of 8 – 32 days.

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama – It is one of the best ancient paralysis treatments in Ayurveda. This treatment is done by following a proper routine including the Nadi shodan Pranayam and yoga. Nadi Shodhana pranayama is incredibly calming, and soothing to the mind, the nervous system, and effectively balances Vata, pitta, and Kapha.

Shiro Abhyanga - It is the most popular ayurvedic Indian head massage for stress relief. A soothing massage of the head, neck, and shoulder, commonly used in this therapy.

Shirodhara - It is a form of Ayurveda therapy that involves gentle pouring of liquids over the forehead and can be one of the steps involved in Panchakarma. The name comes from the Sanskrit words Shiro (head) and dhara (flow).

Sarvangadara Treatment - This is done by applying small steam-heated bundles of herbs tied in cotton bags and pressed gently on aching parts of the body.

Pinda Sweda Treatment - This is done by mild oil application with the help of special milk rice medicinal bundles made of cheesecloth.

All therapeutic measures may be started after crossing the acute phase of attack in the form of:

Medicines like Mahavatavidwamsana, Balarista, Dashmoola Arista, Sarasawathaarista, Bhihat Vata Chintamani, Ekangavira Rasa, Sacharadi Kasahya, Gandarwahastadi Qwatha etc

All therapeutic measures may be started after crossing the acute phase of attack in the form of:

Herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Eranda, Rasona, Rasna etc

*Above said various modalities of treatments are common in practice, but the duration of the treatment, dosage, selection of herbs, type of Panchakarma, will be adjusted and planned by the Ayurvedic Doctors only according to the clinical findings and response to the therapy.

The natural treatment for paralysis can also be done by inculcating certain lifestyle changes or preventive measures in daily routine such as:

Knowing your stroke risk factors, following your doctor's recommendations and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke. If you've had a stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), these measures might help prevent another stroke. The follow-up care you receive in the hospital and afterward also may play a role as well.

Many stroke prevention strategies are the same as strategies to prevent heart disease. In general, healthy lifestyle recommendations include:

Controlling High Blood Pressure (Hypertension). This is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your stroke risk. If you've had a stroke, lowering your blood pressure can help prevent a subsequent TIA or stroke.

Exercising, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting the amount of sodium and alcohol you eat and drink can all help to keep high blood pressure in check. In addition to recommending lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe medications to treat high blood pressure.

Lowering The Amount Of Cholesterol And Saturated Fat In Your Diet. Eating less cholesterol and fat, especially saturated fat and trans fats, may reduce the plaque in your arteries. If you can't control your cholesterol through dietary changes alone, your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication.

Quitting Tobacco Use. Smoking raises the risk of stroke for smokers and nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke. Quitting tobacco use reduces your risk of stroke.

Controlling Diabetes. You can manage diabetes with diet, exercise, weight control and medication. Maintaining A Healthy Weight. Being overweight contributes to other stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Losing as little as 4.500 Kgs may lower your blood pressure and improve your cholesterol levels.

Eating A Diet Rich In Fruits And Vegetables. A diet containing five or more daily servings of fruits or vegetables may reduce your risk of stroke. Following the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables and whole grains, may be helpful.

Exercising Regularly. Aerobic or "cardio" exercise reduces your risk of stroke in many ways. Exercise can lower your blood pressure, increase your level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improve the overall health of your blood vessels and heart. It also helps you lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress. Gradually work up to 30 minutes of activity — such as walking, jogging, swimming or bicycling — on most, if not all, days of the week.

Drinking Alcohol In Moderation, If At All. Alcohol can be both a risk factor and a protective measure for stroke. Heavy alcohol consumption increases your risk of high blood pressure, ischemic strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. However, drinking small to moderate amounts of alcohol, such as one drink a day, may help prevent ischemic stroke and decrease your blood's clotting tendency. Alcohol may also interact with other drugs you're taking. Talk to your doctor about what's appropriate for you.

Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Your doctor may recommend an overnight oxygen assessment to screen for OSA — a sleep disorder in which the oxygen level intermittently drops during the night. Treatment for OSA includes oxygen at night or wearing a small device in your mouth to help you breathe.

Avoiding Illegal Drugs. Certain street drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines, are established risk factors for a TIA or a stroke. Cocaine reduces blood flow and can narrow the arteries.