Role of Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medicine in post hemorrhagic stroke rehabilitation - A Case Report.

Stroke due to intracerebral hemorrhage is the most destructive subtype often causing disabilities in survivors. Early motor recovery, improving quality of life and improved social participation are the key aspects of stroke rehabilitation. Ayurveda describes stroke as Pakshaghata and categorized it as a Vata dominant disease. This case reports the effect of Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medicine in post stroke rehabilitation of a 60-year-old male, known case of diabetes and hypertension with recent left sided hemiplegia due to hemorrhage in the basal ganglia and hemorrhage in the lateral ventricle. Following initial management at a modern facility for three weeks, the patient received Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional interventions for three months in addition to conventional treatment. Improvement was monitored using visual analogue scale, improvement in neurological and motor functions, clinical parameters, quality of life with stroke specific quality of life index, and life satisfaction questionnaire. Significant improvement in motor functions, muscle tone, rigidity and hyperreflexia were observed. Patient's bladder-bowel control and functional abilities also improved leading to better quality of life. Better control of blood pressure and glucose levels was also observed indicating positive outcomes of integration of Ayurveda with conventional therapy in such cases. No adverse effects were observed during the observation period. This case report suggests that Ayurveda and folklore medicine may play an important role in improving neuromuscular functions, quality of life and speedy rehabilitation of stroke patients.