Complete and Sustained Recovery in a Chronic Resistant Case of Migraine (Ardhavabhedaka) Through a Ayurvedic Regimen

Abstract

Migraine is a neuro vascular disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of pulsatile headache of varying intensity and is generally accompanied with nausea and vomiting, sensitive to light and sound. It is most common headache that generally afflicts ~15% of women and 6% of men. WHO has ranked migraine as 19^th among all the diseases worldwide causing disability. Ardhavabhedaka, one among Shirorogas in Ayurveda, closely correlates with migraine in modern medicine. In allopathic Science many pharmacological strategies like, antidepressants, antiseizure drugs, and BP lowering medications (anti-hypertensive) are commonly used for the quick relief from migraine pain but it adds drowsiness, insomnia and depression too; as a complication. Case Description: In this case report a 28-year-old male student suffered from recurrent headache since 2018. In 2020, he was diagnosed with migraine by a neurologist and treated with allopathic medications, including steroids, for three years without lasting benefit. Initially, he experienced short attacks (15–30 min with aura) daily; by May–June 2024, he had undergone two severe attacks per day, each lasting up to 2 hours, significantly disrupting his daily routine. Intervention & timeline: From 22 June to 5 July 2024, the patient was managed with a customized Ayurvedic regimen comprising combination of (Saptamrit Loha, Vasa Churna, Godanti Churna, Rasayan Churna), Avipattikar Churna, and Pathyadi Kwatha, along with Pathya-Apathya guidance. Outcome: After treatment remarkable improvement was seen at Day 7. By Day 14, there was a complete remission of symptoms. No any adverse effect was seen during the treatment and the patient had not reported any recurrence or relapse in the symptoms. Conclusion & lessons: This case demonstrates the efficacy of a targeted Ayurvedic regimen in achieving complete and sustained remission in chronic, drug-resistant migraine by addressing the root Dosha-Dushti and Agni imbalance.