Prophylactic Ayurveda treatment for episodic cluster headache - A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Ayurvedic medicine
• Neurology
• Integrative medicine

Background:

• Episodic Cluster Headache (ECH) is a debilitating neurological condition characterized by severe, recurring headaches.
• Chronic ECH significantly impacts quality of life, with limited treatment options offering complete remission.

Observation:

• A 13-year history of ECH, occurring annually for 40 days, presented with severe pain (10/10 intensity).
• Baseline assessments indicated high impact: HIT-6 score of 69, CHIQ score of 34, and DASS-21 scores for Depression (8), Anxiety (5), and Stress (11).

Findings:

• Treatment involved a single session of Jaloukavacharana (leech therapy), seven days of Kumkumadighrita Nasya (nasal administration), and oral Ayurvedic medications (Drakshadi Kashaya, Soothashekararasa, Avipatthikara choorna).
• Post-treatment, the patient experienced no ECH attacks. HIT-6 score reduced to 36, CHIQ score to 0, and DASS-21 scores for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress all became 0.

Implications:

• Ayurvedic interventions demonstrate potential efficacy in preventing ECH recurrence and alleviating associated psychological distress.
• This case highlights a holistic, side-effect-free approach for managing chronic ECH, suggesting further research into Ayurvedic protocols for headache disorders.