Prophylactic Ayurveda treatment for episodic cluster headache – A Case Report

Abstract

This case is about an Episodic Cluster Headache (ECH) for 13 years treated effectively by Jaloukavacharana, Nasya and Ayurveda oral medications. It commenced with sudden episodic headache once or twice a day for a period of 40 days in a row, every year in the month of January and February. The pain intensity was 10/10 in numeric pain intensity scale, HIT -6 (Headache Impact Test) Score- 69, CHIQ (Cluster headache impact questionnaire) Score- 34 DASS 21 Scale- Depression- 8 anxiety-5 stress-11. Ayurveda treatment included one sitting of Jaloukavacharana and seven days of Kumkumadighrita Nasya. Drakshadi Kashaya, Soothashekararasa and Avipatthikara choorna were given internally. Patient reported no attacks of ECH thereafter with the HIT 6 score −36, CHIQ Score-0 and DASS-21 (Depression – 0, Anxiety-0, Stress- 0) after treatment. This line of treatment prevented the recurrence of ECH attacks with overall improvement in the quality of life without any known side effects.

Keywords

• Ardhavabhedaka
• Cluster headache
• Nasya
• Jalaukavacharana
• Ayurveda