Introduction
A medical emergency, (in which early intervention is crucial) which is characterised by reduced/lost blood flow to part of the brain resulting in insufficiency of oxygen and nutrients to and finally the death of brain cells. This may lead to permanent disability or even death. Two types of strokes are seen, ischemic (most common) and haemorrhagic. Sometimes, it may be confused with transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
TIA or Mini stroke is similar to CVA, where blood supply to the brain is interrupted for a short while and thus the damage to brain cells is only temporary.
Symptoms
Sudden onset of weakness or numbness over arms, legs or face especially affecting one side of body; slurring of speech, deviation of mouth to either sides, difficulty in swallowing, drooling of saliva, difficulty with vision of one or both eyes; severe headache, difficulty to walk, loss of coordination and body balance.
Causes of Cerebrovascular accident/ stroke
CVA is often caused by two reasons; ischemia (lack of supply of oxygen to part of brain due to blockage in artery) and haemorrhage (rupture of a blood vessel in brain).
The chances of stroke often increase with age (>55 years). Males are prone to develop CVA. Excessive use of alcohol, drug abuse and smoking habit are another risk factors. Unhealthy diet, lack of physical exertion, personal or family history of CVA or TIA, health conditions such as obesity, hypertension, high blood sugar level, raised cholesterol level, heart disease and obstructive sleep apnoea are other potential risks.
Treatment of Cerebrovascular accident/ stroke
Treatment options may differ according to the type of CVA and the stage of treatment. Stroke can be managed by medications, surgery and rehabilitation. The various stages of treatment include acute treatment to manage the disabilities, post-stroke rehabilitation and preventive measures (either primary or secondary).
Management of ischemic stroke and haemorrhagic strokes are also different. Acute treatment for ischemic stroke can be dissolving the blood clot using TPA (tissue plasminogen activator) within 4hours, blood thinners or surgical opening of blocked Carotid artery.
In the case of haemorrhagic stroke, the acute treatment is focused on arresting bleeding. Proper identification of the cause of bleeding is much important. Drugs for hypertension are to be given in bleeding caused by HTN. If aneurism is the reason behind haemorrhage, aneurysm clipping or coil embolization can be performed. AVM repair (with surgery/ injection to arrest bleeding/ radiation to shrink blood vessel) should be done in arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
Complications of Cerebrovascular accident/ stroke
Limited or restricted body functions including walking and speech
Probable cerebral and internal haemorrhage
Muscle wasting and emaciation
Depression and other psychiatric issues
Preventive measures of Cerebrovascular accident/ stroke
Cerebrovascular accidents can be prevented by controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, consuming healthy balanced diet, maintaining healthy body weight, managing stress, quitting smoking and doing regular physical activity.
Ayurvedic Concept of Cerebrovascular accident/ stroke
Ayurveda explains the condition as pakshaghata where one side of the body is paralysed due to problems in the other half od the brain. The clinical manifestion may slightly differ according to the area inside the brain affected. Due to the causative factors the vitiated Vaata starts travelling in abnormal paths in the body. When it catches half of the body, and makes the Siras & snayus depleted, the other half of the body gets weak & motionless.
Ayurvedic Nidana of Cerebrovascular accident/ stroke
Causative factors for the vitiation of Vaata
It can happen in two ways.
Aavarana – When the kapha gets vitiated or aama present, the channels in the body get obstructed. It is called as srotorodha. It causes obstruction to the normal path of the movement of Vaata and makes it move in abnormal paths. In other words, it affects all types of circulation and communication within the human body.
Dhaatukshaya – In degenerative conditions like old age, poor nourishment, chronic diseases, fasting, stress etc., body tissues undergo excess depletion and the vitiated Vaata gets into the void spaces and causes the disease.
Ayurvedic treatment for Cerebrovascular accident/ stroke
New and uncomplicated cases can be cured with difficulty (kricchrasadhya)
Others are incurable (asadhya)
Chikithsa
The Ayurveda treatment for pakshaghata depends basically whether it happened only due to Vaata or associated with other doshas. Treatment differs also for Kapha or Pitta as the associated doshas. Patients’s age, strength, body constitution and many other factors also should be considered in treatment.
Ayurvedic treatment for Paksaghata consists of sodhanatherapies, mainly Virechana in physically and mentally strong patient. It is not done in weak patients as it will cause more Vaatakopa and complications.
In pakshaghata with associated Kapha, sodhana therapy is in the form of both Vamana and virechana.
In Pakshaghata with associated Pitta, sodhana therapy is in the form of Virechana.
In suitable Pakshaghata cases, both asthapanavasti and anuvasanavasti are done for most benefits as they are the best sodhana therapies for pacifying Vaata.
Samana
Aamapaachana in needed cases
Agnideepana
Rasayana
Brumhana
Talam
Moordhapichu
Lepanam
Praadesikadhara and pindasweda
Ksheeradhooma
Sodhana
Sneha-sweda
Virechanam
Nasyam, Vamanam, asthapanavasti and anuvasanavasti are done in suitable cases
Herbal Preparations for Cerebrovascular accident/ stroke
Maharasnadi kashayam
Sahacharadi kashayam
Gandharvahastadi kashayam
Prasaranyadi kashayam
Yogarajaguggulu
Ksheerabala atailam avarthy
Dhanwantaram tailam
Diet & Regimen
To be avoided
Heavy meals and difficult to digest foods – cause indigestion.
Junk foods- cause disturbance in digestion and reduces the bioavailability of the medicine
Carbonated drinks – makes the stomach more acidic and disturbed digestion
Refrigerated and frozen foods – causes weak and sluggish digestion by weakening Agni (digestive fire)
Milk and milk products – increase kapha, cause obstruction in channels and obesity
Curd – causes vidaaha and thereby many other diseases
To be added
Light meals and easily digestible foods
Green gram, soups, sesame oil.
Freshly cooked and warm food processed with cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, ajwain etc
Behaviour:
Protect yourself from extreme climate changes.
Better to avoid exposure to excessive sunlight wind rain or dust.
Maintain a regular food and sleep schedule.
Avoid holding or forcing the urges like urine, faeces, cough, sneeze etc.
Avoid sedentary lifestyle. Be active.
Yoga and pranayama
Yoga postures help in improving the circulation, mobility and flexibility. It also helps in strengthening of the muscle tissue and restoring the muscle bulk.
Savasana
Salabhasana
Pavanamuktasana
Nadisudhi pranayama
Bhujangasana
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, United States. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your GP before the intake.
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