A case of sensory ataxia and its management through pan-chakarma

Summary of article contents:

Sensory ataxia is both a symptom and a sign in neurology. It is a form of ataxia (loss of coordination) caused not by cerebellar dysfunction but by loss of sensory input into the control of movement. Sensory ataxia is distinguished from cerebellar ataxia by the presence of nearnormal coordination when the patient visually observes the movement but marked worsening of coordination when the eyes are shut, indicating a positive Romberg's sign. Sensory ataxia also lacks the associated features of cerebellar ataxia, such as pendular tendon reflexes, scanning dysarthria, nystagmus and broken pursuit eye movements. Sensory ataxia can manifest in sensory large fibre peripheral neuropathies and conditions causing dysfunction of the spinal cord's dorsal columns due to various disorders: infectious, autoimmune, metabolic, toxic, vascular and hereditary diseases. There is no direct correlation to sensory ataxia in Ayurvedic classics; based on pathology, it is nearer to Kaphavrita vyana vata. Objectives-- By considering sensory ataxia as Kaphavrita vyana vata, the present study has attempted to evaluate the efficiency of Ayurvedic formulation in the conservative management of sensory ataxia. Met hod- A case of sensory ataxia, initially patient was treated with Dashamoola kaya seka followed by Shastika shalipindasweda, followed by Balavarnakara niruha basti 1 and Anuvasana basti with k sheera bala taila as per Kala Basti schedule (modified), followed by Shaman aushadhi. Result - Patient was observed for symptomatic improvement based on the questionnaire over graded signs & symptoms, also observed for clinical examination before & after treatment. Conclusion: The study has shown that conservative management of sensory ataxia can be managed effectively through the Ayurvedic principle and improve quality of life. Keywords: Sensory ataxia, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Kaphavrita vyana vata, Basti karma INTRODUCTION Sensory ataxia is a form of ataxia caused by the impairment of the somatosensory nerves, leading to the interruption of sensory feedback signals