Efficacy of Netraseka in Blepharospasm w.s.r to Kruchronmeelana

Abstract

Blepharospasm is an act of involuntary blinking. In most of the cases, symptoms last for few days then disappear without any intervention. However in few cases, disease becomes chronic with symptoms of persistent blinking and the person will be able to open his eyes only with a great effort which could eventually lead to a functional blindness. Most of the times it is associated with ALO (Apraxia of lid opening). ALO is an inability to initiate voluntary eyelid opening following a period of eyelid closure. Manual lifting of the eyelid often resolves the problem and lid is able to stay open for a while thereafter. Botulinum toxin injections are the treatment of choice for both Blepharospasm and ALO, which is too expensive and at the same time have only a temporary improvement. In Ayurveda such condition is comparable with Kruchronmeelana which is postulated to be resultant of vata vitiation. Netrakalpana is the therapy of choice to treat above conditions. A single case study done at our department has shown significant improvement both in pain, blinking after the patient was subjected to Netraseka. Before Netraseka the same patient was treated with Aksitarpana which was done with triphala ghrita for seven days, but which hasn't produced much difference neither in pain nor in blinking. Netraseka was given with a specific kashaya for a period of 14 days following Tarpana therapy.