Publication

Abstract :

Introduction: Lyme disease is a vector-borne infection caused by Borrelia species, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. Approximately 70%–80% of affected individuals develop an erythema migrans rash during the early stage. As the disease progresses, it may manifest with a wide spectrum of clinical features, including facial paralysis, migratory joint pain, severe headaches with neck stiffness, and cardiac involvement such as palpitations. Diagnosis is based on the evaluation of clinical symptoms, history of tick exposure, and serological detection of specific antibodies. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the condition may be correlated with Dushi Visha (latent poisoning), which describes the lingering effects of toxins in the body leading to multisystemic disturbances.

Patient Information: A 68-year-old Indo-French female with a 14-year history of pre-diagnosed Lyme disease presented with complaints of neck stiffness, vertigo, sleep disturbances, severe headache, and right ear pain.

Intervention: The patient was managed with a combination of internal medicines, including Amruthotaram Kashaya, Vilwadi Gulika, and Chandraprabha Vati, along with sequential external therapies such as Dhanyamla Dhara, Sarvanga Abhyanga with Sweda, Dashamoola Kashaya Dhara, Sadyovirechana, Sarvanga Pizhichil, Sarvanga Shastika Shali Pinda Sweda with Shiropichu, Nasya Karma, and Lepa. The therapeutic protocol was designed to address the latent impact of systemic Dosha imbalance, restore balance, and alleviate chronic neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms.

Result and Conclusion: The patient experienced marked improvement in all presenting symptoms following Ayurvedic interventions. As documentation of Lyme disease management in Ayurveda is scarce, this case adds to the limited evidence base and underscores the potential role of Ayurvedic approaches in addressing complex, chronic conditions.