Ayurvedic Perspective and Management Of Lateral Rectus Palsy: A Case Report

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Title: Ayurvedic Management of Paralytic squint due to left 6th cranial nerve palsy: A case report

Background:
Sixth cranial nerve palsy is a neurogenic cause of paralytic squint, commonly presenting with binocular diplopia and restricted lateral gaze. It is often associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Conventional management, including systemic control and use of prism glass may not always yield satisfactory recovery¹. This case explores the outcome of Ayurvedic management in such a scenario.

Case Presentation:
A 49-year-old male with a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus presented with sudden-onset diplopia and restricted abduction of the left eye. MRI ruled out infarct or mass lesion, and the patient was diagnosed with sixth nerve palsy. He experienced minimal improvement with allopathic treatment and opted for Ayurvedic care.

Diagnosis:
Based on Ayurvedic principles, the condition was assessed as Vata Paryaya, Ekangavata, and Dwiteeya patala gata timira, involving Vata-predominant Tridoshic vitiation affecting Rasa, Rakta and Mamsa Dhatus²˒³.

Intervention:
Treatment included Rooksha Snehapana, Virechana, Nasya, Takradhara, Jalukavacharana, Tarpana, and Yoga Vasthi. Internal medications like Nisakathakadi Kashaya, Punarnavadi Kashaya, Yoga Raja Guggulu, and Dhanwantharam Gulika were used to target systemic and ocular dysfunction.

Outcome:
Following treatment, the patient experienced complete resolution of diplopia along with marked improvement in ocular movements, eye alignment, and visual function. Additionally, systemic diabetic parameters showed improvement.

Conclusion:
This case highlights the efficacy of individualized Ayurvedic treatment in a case of sixth nerve palsy unresponsive to conventional care. The multimodal Ayurvedic approach targeting systemic doshic imbalances and local dysfunction demonstrated promising results⁴˒⁵.