Ayurvedic management of trigeminal neuralgia: A case report

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic neuropathic pain disorder characterized by recurrent, electric shock-like facial pain, and conventional treatments often provide inadequate relief, especially in elderly patients. A 75-year-old female with refractory TN was managed through a comprehensive Ayurvedic regimen at the Panchakarma OPD of a tertiary care Ayurveda hospital. Treatment included internal medications ( Avipattikar Churna, Kamdudha Rasa, Maharasnadi Kashayam, Ksheerabala 101, Triphala Guggulu, and Sukumara Ghrita ) and external therapies ( Nasya and local oil application). Clinical progress was monitored using the Brief Pain Inventory–Pain Interference Index (BPI-PII) and Penn Facial Pain Scale (Penn-FPS). Significant improvement was noted, with BPI-PII scores reducing from 14/70 to 4/70 and Penn-FPS scores from 47/70 to 8/70, along with relief from chronic constipation. This case highlights the potential role of Ayurvedic interventions in managing refractory TN in elderly patients, suggesting improved pain outcomes and quality of life. Further studies are needed to validate these observations.