Ayurvedic Management of Chronic Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka): A Clinical Case Report
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Abstract
Background: Migraine is a prevalent, debilitating neurovascular condition clinically identified by episodic, throbbing, unilateral headaches frequently accompanied by systemic manifestations like nausea, vomiting, and secondary gastrointestinal disturbances. It stands as a leading global cause of operational disability, affecting approximately 16.6% of the world's population, with females exhibiting a threefold higher susceptibility than males. While achieving an absolute cure remains an elusive objective across modern biomedicine and traditional systems alike, tactical adjustments in lifestyle habits coupled with targeted Ayurvedic therapies can significantly lower attack frequency and intensity. Within traditional Ayurvedic paradigms, migraine presents a strong clinical correlation to Ardhavabhedaka, a distinct manifestation of Shiroroga (headache disorders).
• Case Presentation: This paper reports the clinical course of a 46-year-old male fisherman presenting with a 10-year history of paroxysmal, right-sided throbbing headaches. Occurring twice a month and persisting for up to 48 hours per episode, the attacks initiated unpredictably and were consistently compounded by Chardi (vomiting), Asamadhanakaraka Malapravrutti (unsatisfactory bowel evacuation/constipation), Urokantadaha (heartburn/acid reflux), and Aadhmana-Aatopa (abdominal distension and flatulence).
• Management and Outcomes: Following a detailed baseline diagnostic evaluation, an individualized therapeutic regimen was designed according to the patient’s specific Dosha dynamics and Vyadhi Avastha (disease stage). To implement accurate Nidana Parivarjana (elimination of root causes), the treatment protocol combined Deepana (appetizers), Pachana (digestives), Nasya (nasal drug delivery), Viddhakarma (therapeutic micro-puncturing), and oral Dosha Shaman (palliative) agents. The patient demonstrated a marked reduction in headache severity, attack frequency, and gastrointestinal symptoms over successive follow-ups.
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