Traumatic brain injury is an impact injury of the brain in which there is diffuse damage to the brain cells causing severe deficit which can be physical, cognitive, behavioural as well as emotional. The management of such individuals constitutes a medical crisis as well as a long-term challenge, since the brain damage affects the entire body, and healing and recovery is very rare.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can provide a significant contribution to the management and treatment of traumatic brain injury. While the acute and critical phase of the condition is best managed in the intensive care of a hospital, once the patient has been stabilized, it is best to institute Ayurvedic treatment at the earliest, so that the affected individual can get the maximum possible benefit from it. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be given in the form of various modalities for the treatment of traumatic brain injury. These include oral medications, local applications, and special procedure is in the form of Panchkarma.
Such affected individuals are given a whole-body massage with the help of medicated oils, followed by medicated steam fomentation. Panchkarma procedures in the form of Shirodhara, Shiro-Basti, and medicated enemas are given repeatedly in order to stimulate the nervous system to start regenerating and healing itself. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are given orally in order to strengthen the nervous system, prevent degeneration of the damaged brain cells, and start the process of healing and regeneration. Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given to promote neuromuscular coordination as well as to improve muscular tone and strength. And the same time, other medicines are also given to maintain the immune power of the patient as well as to ensure an optimum functioning of all important systems of the body.
Some individuals affected with traumatic brain injury may remain unconscious or in a comatose state for prolonged periods, due to severe trauma and injury to the brain. Such affected individuals can also be treated with Ayurvedic medicines and can be helped to come out of the coma, after which the regular treatment can be instituted. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus provide a significant contribution in the treatment and healing of patients with traumatic brain injury.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
