NASAL INSTILLATION OF MEDICATED OIL (NASYA) SADBINDU TAILA IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE – A CASE SERIES

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neuro-degenerative disease which affects about 1% of the elderly population worldwide. It is a progressive neuro-degenerative condition with cardinal features like bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and postural stability. The current mainstay of treatment revolves around the oral administration of levodopa. Even though levodopa provides significant relief from bradykinesia and rigidity, it produces certain side-effects like levodopa induced dyskinesia and fatigue. Ayurveda is most often sought after by patients with a hope of obtaining relief from symptoms or the side effects of conventional medication. Nasya is a unique mode of medicine administration through the nose which is used in the management of a varied spectrum of diseases. Ayurveda considers nose as the gateway to the brain and higher centres. Hence, nasya is used as a treatment mode in PD. This case series is a prospective pre and post-test of the nasal instillation of medicated oil Sadbindu taila in 4 subjects for a period of 7 days. The nasal administration of medicated oil produced significant results in freezing, facial expression, rigidity and postural stability and bradykinesia. This case series contributes to the evidence regarding the utility of panchakarma like Nasya in the treatment of neuro-degenerative conditions.