Ayurvedic management of trigeminal neuralgia

Introduction:

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a condition that causes severe facial pain due to the irritation of the trigeminal nerve. According to Ayurveda, TN is caused by an imbalance in the pitta dosha, which results in inflammation and worsens the symptoms. This case study examines how Ayurvedic principles can help manage TN in a 39-year-old woman, with a focus on reducing inflammation and restoring balance.

The patient presented with severe headaches radiating to her neck and face, indicating TN rather than sinusitis. Her recent history of lengthy flights and antibiotic treatment suggested underlying inflammation. Ayurvedic diagnosis identified an imbalance in the pitta dosha, exacerbating the symptoms.

The patient's dietary and lifestyle habits revealed patterns contributing to pitta aggravation and inflammation. Late waking hours, consumption of spicy and inflammatory foods, and irregular meal timings were identified as exacerbating factors.

Treatment Approach:

The treatment plan aimed to address inflammation, improve digestion, and restore balance to the pitta dosha. Ayurvedic herbs and lifestyle modifications were employed for a duration of 28 days, which were divided into three phases:

- Phase One (Week One): The main focus was to increase digestive fire and reduce inflammation using bitter-tasting herbs and ghee. Lifestyle modifications included early rising, bowel cleansing, and dietary changes.

Phase Two (Weeks Two and Three): Continued focus on inflammation reduction, with additional treatments targeting trigeminal nerve inflammation.

Phase Three (Week Four): Consolidation of previous interventions and strengthening of the trigeminal nerve.

Key Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications:

Waking up early in the morning, and clearing the bowels as soon as possible was done.

Modification of meal timing and composition to reduce inflammation.

Incorporating bitter-tasting foods and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods

External therapies such as herbal pastes and nasal drops to alleviate pain and inflammation

Medication Protocol:

Herbal formulations such as Guluchyadi kashayam, Thikthakam gritham, and Avipathi choornam were prescribed to address inflammation and improve digestion. External therapies included herbal pastes and nasal drops.

Outcome:

After four weeks of treatment, the patient reported significant improvement in symptoms, with the disappearance of discomfort. Medication was discontinued, and the patient was advised to continue dietary and lifestyle modifications to maintain balance.

Conclusion:

This case study illustrates the efficacy of Ayurvedic principles in managing TN by addressing underlying inflammation and restoring balance to the pitta dosha. By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses dietary modifications, herbal interventions, and lifestyle changes, significant relief can be achieved for chronic pain conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.