Comparative Efficacy of Therapeutic Panchkarma Procedures in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) continues to be one of the most common but challenging physical disabilities in children. It is named Balsanvardhan Vikruti as there is delayed growth and development due to brain damage. It accounts for nearly 15% of the child population (1 in 6). Objectives: To compare the efficacy of Brimhan (Anabolic) procedures Vs alternate Brimhan- Rukshan (Anabolic - Catabolic) Panchkarma procedures in the management of CP children of 2-8 years age group. Material and Methods: The study was carried out in the IPD of Kaumarbhritya, MGACHRC, Salod. Twenty patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria were included and randomly distributed into two groups of 10 each. Group A was given Brimhan procedures like Talapothichil/Shiropichu, Annalepan, Pindswed, Tailadhara and MatraBasti for 3 days followed by Rukshan procedures like Talapothichil/Shirolepan, Udgharshan, Kwathdhara, Patrapottali and Niruh Basti for next 3 days alternate 5cycles starting and end with Brimhan in total 15 days and 15 days follow-up for 3 consecutive months. Group B received only Brimhan procedures for the same pattern and duration. Three such courses were administered to both Groups with an interval of 15 days along with necessary symptomatic treatment, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Result: The study revealed that Group A patients showed more improvement (21%) than Group B (19%) in all parameters like gross motor, fine motor, language/speech, and personal social with enhancement in power and activities of daily living (Barthel index). Spasticity, convulsions were reduced and quality of life was increased in both the Groups. Conclusion: Multiple interventions are essential in the management of CP. Alternate Brimhan-Rukshan Panchkarma procedures are more beneficial with physiotherapy and occupational therapy as CP has Vata-Kapha Dosha dominance.