Ayurvedic Intervention in Abducent Nerve Palsy secondary to Mononeuritis Multiplex: A Case Report

Abstract

Abducent (sixth cranial) nerve results in lateral rectus muscle contraction. When palsy of this nerve occurs symptoms like diplopia, esotropia and limitation of abduction of affected side observed. Mononeuritis Multiplex is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus where asymmetrical, asynchronous, painful peripheral neuropathy develops. Damage to abducent nerve along with peripheral neuropathy results in hindrance of patient’s routine and eyesight. According to ayurveda, diplopia can be correlated with patalagata dosha dushti and can be treated like timira chikitsa. Objective: To rescue patient's vision and provide symptomatic relief by ayurvedic intervention in left abducent nerve palsy which developed secondary to mononeuritis multiplex. Material and Method: 62 year old female patient, visited shalakyatantra OPD on 15th November 2023, with symptoms like horizontal diplopia, limitation of abduction of left eye and mild esotropia in primary gaze and floaters since 2 months, known systemic history of diabetes mellitus since 11 years, hypertension since 7 years and mononeuritis multiplex since 6 months. Other associated symptoms were bilateral foot drop due to damage of nerves in lower limb. Ayurvedic treatment like deepana, pachana, anulomana along with vata shamaka, chakshushya medication with local treatments like kriyakalpa are advised. Result: Marked symptomatic relief on subjective as well as objective parameters were noted. Abduction of left eye improved along with reduced diplopia and resolved esotropia. Quality of life of patient improved. Discussion: Ayurvedic intervention in abducent nerve palsy secondary to mononeuritis multiplex offers a promising alternative for significant relief in symptoms, improvement in abduction of affected eye and control the recurrence.