Hemorrhagic stroke is also known as intra cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and basically involves sudden bleeding in the brain. In addition to focal neurological deficits, patients with ICH also exhibit severe headache, altered mental status, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and severe hypertension. ICH is a medical emergency associated with a higher mortality rate, and all such patients require urgent hospitalization and emergency treatment.
Patients with ICH usually require hospitalization in order to tide over the crisis, limit the damage, and help in early recovery. Once the patient has been stabilized, Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be instituted in order to manage and treat the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines can also be given while the patient is still in intensive care, since these medicines can provide additional and supportive treatment of the patient, without disturbing treatment given in the intensive care unit.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are given in order to minimise the bleeding within the brain, help in early resolution of the bleeding, and prevent further bleeding. These medicines have a specific action on the blood as well as on the walls of the blood vessels and capillaries. These herbal medicines help to build up the cellular matrix of the microcirculation so as to dissolve the blood clots, minimise bleeding, and strengthen the capillaries and blood vessels.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given in order to minimise neurological damage and help repair the damaged brain cells and normalise the transmission between nerve cells. These medicines strengthen the entire nervous system and help to maintain and normalise neuromuscular coordination, balance and movement. Localised treatment in the form of whole-body massage with medicated oils followed by steam fomentation can be started about four to six weeks after the incident, provided blood pressure is under control. Localised treatment helps to minimise neurological deficit and aids in early recovery.
Early treatment with Ayurvedic herbal medicines can help to minimise the damage and bring about an early and complete recovery. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of hemorrhagic stroke.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
