Post-dengue encephalitic sequelae in a child: significant functional recovery with ayurvedic intervention-a case report

Shyam Prasad P. S.; Manisha Singla; Sheethal R.

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20261149

Authors

Shyam Prasad P. S. Consultant Ayurveda Physician and General Surgeon, Yogakshema Ayurved Hospital, Kushalanagar, Kodagu, Karnataka, India
Manisha Singla Ayushman Arogya Kendra Chamaru, Directorate of Ayurveda, Government of Punjab, Punjab, India
Sheethal R. Psychologist and Certified International Yoga Teacher (RYT), Yogakshema Ayurved Hospital, Kushalanagar, Kodagu, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20261149

Keywords:

Dengue encephalitis, Jwara, Panchkarma, Pediatric neurorehabilitation, Santarpana - brimhana therapy

Abstract

Dengue encephalitis is a rare and severe neurological complication of dengue viral infection, often resulting in debilitating long-term deficits characterized by viral neuro-invasion, cerebral edema, and in severe cases herniation. As mentioned in ayurvedic texts, Jwara (fever) can lead to Raktapitta (Hemorrhagic conditions) and can further cause dhatukshaya (depletion of dhatus) leading to shosha (emaciation). We present a case of a 6-year-old boy with marked physical and neuropsychological impairments after dengue encephalitis at age 4. Despite initial emergency care, the patient exhibited significant motor weakness, speech and cognitive delays and functional dependence. Following comprehensive Ayurvedic therapy on the treatment principle of santarpana (restoring strength, nourishment and tissue integrity) and brimhana (nourishing therapy), he demonstrated remarkable recovery in over 9 months with restoration of motor skills, cognition and social functioning. This case highlights the potential benefits of a comprehensive ayurvedic rehabilitative approach in chronic post-dengue neurological sequelae.

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