Ayurvedic Management in Functional Recovery of Central Cord Syndrome associated with C 5 Fracture: A Single Case Report

Abstract

Central cord syndrome is the most common type of incomplete spinal cord injury. It results from hyperextension of neck, which compresses the cervical spinal cord and causes damage to its central region. The prognosis is variable but most patients have neurological recovery to some extent. Young patient and those who seek immediate medical attention have better chance of neurological recovery. Central Cord Syndrome has not received much attention in Ayurvedic research, with few documented cases. This case report deals with the case of A 34-year-old male patient having C5 -6 cord contusion with fracture of both laminae of C5 vertebrae with mild displacement of spinous process fragment, presented with paresis of both upper and lower limbs, on examination patient had weakness of both upper limbs and lower limbs and sensory changes. Here the condition is diagnosed as bhagnanubanda vikara (post fracture complication) with marmabhigata (injury to vital point), hence treated with  Ayurvedic procedures( pichu,pratimarsha nasya, abhyanga etc) and internal medication (punarnavadi ks, gandharvahastadi kashaya,dhanwantharam ks etc ) for a period of 3 months during which considerable improvement noticed in motor and sensory function. This case highlights the potential role of ayurveda in the management of of central cord syndrome associated with C 5 fracture (bhagnanubanda vikara with marmabhigata).