Effect of udwarthana and vamana in rigidity predominant Parkinson’s disease. -Case report

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily caused by the destruction of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the substantia nigra, a critical area of the brain involved in movement control. The exact etiology remains unclear, though genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Pathologically, the disease is characterized by Lewy bodies i.e. abnormal protein aggregation within neurons. The classical symptoms of PD are resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. It can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life in the advanced stage. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be discussed in Ayurveda under the clinical spectrum of Vatavyadhi including Kampavata, Sirakampa, Vepathu, and Avarana Vata. The early presentation of symptoms—such as Rigidity(Sthamba), tremors (Kampa), impaired movement (Skhalitha Gati), and reduced activity (Chesta Hani)—can be considered as Kapha aavrtha vyana. So avaranahara and srothosodhana treatments such as Udwarthana and Vamana can be advocated to eliminate excess Kapha and normalise vyana vayu.

 A male patient who is  aged 65years who was  diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease presented with resting tremors, rigidity, postural instability, and difficulty in performing daily activities. Following the concept of avarana chikitsa he was administerd udwarthana, kashayadhara, and Vamana. UPDR scale was used for the pre and post evaluation of each treatment. Notable changes were found in all domains of UPDR scale.Thus, this case illustrates that avaranahara treatment modalities such as udwarthana, kashayadhara, and vamana can be effectively used in the management of rigidity-predominant Parkinson’s disease.