This Brain Awareness Week 2024, let’s discuss the increasing incidence of brain strokes nowadays.
Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign to promote brain health and raise awareness about neurological disorders. Ayurved can play a significant role in supporting brain health and cognitive function.
In the past, stroke was commonly associated with older people, but research shows that strokes in people under 50 make up 10% of all strokes.
Strokes are a medical emergency that can have serious consequences if not treated promptly. In this blog post, we will explore what is a stroke?, the different types of strokes, the symptoms to look out for, and what can trigger a stroke.
Also Read: 10 Brain Stroke Symptoms Everyone Should Know
What is a Stroke?
A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in the blood supply to the brain, either due to a blockage in a blood vessel (ischemic stroke) or bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). This interruption in blood flow deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain cell damage and potentially permanent disabilities.
Symptoms of Stroke:
Recognizing the signs of a stroke is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention. Common symptoms includes:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or coordination problems
Types of Stroke:
1. Ischemic Stroke:
This is the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87% of all cases. It occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, cutting off the blood supply to that area.
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke:
This type of stroke happens when a weakened blood vessel ruptures, causing bleeding into the brain. This can result in increased pressure on the brain and damage to surrounding tissues.
Related Blog: Ayurvedic herbs that control stress and keep the mind calm
What Triggers a Stroke?
Several factors can increase the risk of having a stroke, including:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of stroke
- Age (risk increases with age)
Ayurveda View on Brain Stroke:
Stroke is a severe condition resulting from the interruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. Paralysis is a common consequence of stroke, often affecting the side of the body opposite to the affected part of the brain, known as hemiplegia. The disabilities following a stroke are determined by the extent of brain damage. The ayurvedic approach for stroke aims to restore sensory and motor functions by balancing the vitiated Vata dosha.
In Ayurveda, stroke is known as ‘Pakshaghatha’ and is attributed to the imbalance of the Vata dosha, which controls sensory and motor functions. Management of stroke in Ayurveda focuses on improving the blood supply to the brain to prevent oxygen deprivation and subsequent brain cell damage. Even a brief interruption in blood flow can cause irreversible brain cell damage.
Apart from paralysis, stroke can lead to sensory deficits, impacting the ability to feel touch, pain, temperature, or position. Cognitive impairments such as difficulty in language comprehension and usage, known as Aphasia, as well as memory and thinking issues, are common after a stroke. Emotional disturbances like depression, anxiety, and personality changes can also occur.
Also Read: Top Stress Management Techniques That Ayurveda Suggests!
Ayurveda Management for Brain Stroke
Management for stroke in Ayurveda involves addressing the root cause of the issue to prevent its recurrence. Restoring blood flow to the brain is crucial in the initial phase of stroke recovery. Various diagnostic techniques like CT scans and MRI scans are used to assess the severity of the condition and the person’s suitability for treatment.
Ayurvedic approach to stroke focuses on recovery and rejuvenation to mitigate the impact of paralysis and numbness. Customized treatment plans may include therapies like Nasya, Basti, and Shirodhara, along with oral herbal medications such as Ashwagandhaaristha, Ashvagandhachurna, and others to manage symptoms and aid in post-detoxification recovery.
While there is little that can be done to stop a stroke while it is occurring, there is much that can be done to treat and diminish the consequences of a stroke. Most people who survive a stroke do well in terms of living at home, moving about independently and carrying out the normal activities of daily living. Thus, having a stroke definitely does not mean that one’s life is irreparably damaged.
Importance of Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
The significance of Stroke Rehabilitation is crucial as it assists individuals in recovering from the impact of a stroke and restoring their functionality and independence. The main objective of stroke rehabilitation is to aid individuals in regaining the physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities that may have been lost or compromised as a result of the stroke.
Ayurvedic ancient text discusses symptoms similar to those of a stroke, which are classified under a condition called Pakshaghata. Pakshaghata is caused by an imbalance in the Vata dosha, responsible for sensory and motor functions in the body.
Ayurveda provides both internal medications and external therapies for post-stroke syndrome. The treatment aims to restore lost sensory and motor functions, improve blood flow to the brain, enhance oxygenation, and rejuvenate brain cells. Restoring the balance of the Vata dosha is also a key treatment objective. As time passes after a stroke, more intense and extensive therapies may be needed as the inactive muscles begin to waste away.
Ayurvedic methods utilized in the rehabilitation and recovery process following a stroke include the following:
- Abhyanga: Massage using medicated oils
- Snehapanam: Internal intake of medicated fats
- Swedanam: Fomentation with hot liquids or medicated bolus
- Virechana: Therapeutic Purgation
- Nasyam: Medicated oil nasal instillations
- Basti: Enema Therapy
Medicated oils such as Dhanwantaram tailam, Ksheerabala Thailam, or Maha Mashadi Tailam are commonly used in these therapies. Internally, treatments may involve Dhanwantara Kashayam, Ashtavarga Kashayam, Bala arista, or Ashwagandharishta, but these should only be taken after a thorough evaluation by an ayurvedic exper. Specific therapies targeting the head, like Shirodhara or Shirovasti, are recommended for rejuvenating damaged brain cells. Balaswagandhaditailam, Ksheerabala thailam, or Dhanwantharam thailam are preferred choices for these therapies. Additionally, herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Eranda, and Lashuna can be beneficial post-stroke, either as medications or supplements.
Advantages of Ayurvedic Rehabilitation:
Stroke recovery is a gradual process that requires sustained effort. By committing to dedicated work, many individuals can make substantial progress and enhance their quality of life post-stroke. Ayurvedic practices can help in:
- Enhancing and restoring neuromuscular functions
- Strengthening muscle tissues
- Improving the person’s ability to perform daily activities independently
When selecting Ayushakti for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation, individuals can benefit from a comprehensive approach that includes Herbal Medicines, Customized Diet Plans, Ayurvedic Therapies, Physiotherapy, and Yoga. The expert team at Ayushakti Ayurved will tailor the plans to meet each client’s specific requirements. Customised herbal combinations are recommended for whole-body detoxification, promoting improved blood circulation and refined nervous functions. Lifestyle adjustments are also advised to enhance the quality of life post-stroke.
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Blog Author: Dr Hemang Parekh
Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.