Management of Insomnia and Huntington’s Chorea (Tandava Roga) – A Case Study
¹*Rutuja Vaidya, 2*Sachin Deva, and ³*Divya B
1,2PG & PhD. Department of Roga Nidan Evum Vikriti Vigyana, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara – 391760 (India) 1Email: vaidyarutuja99@gmail.com 2Email: sachin.deva@paruluniversity.ac.in 3PG & PhD Department of Panchakarma, Parul Institute of Ayurveda and Research, Parul University, Limda, Vadodara – 391760 (India) 3Email:divya.b@paruluniversity.ac.in Corresponding Author : Dr. Sachin Deva 2Email: sachin.deva@paruluniversity.ac.in
ABSTRACT
Huntington’s disease (HD), also known as Huntington’s chorea, is a rare, progressive, inherited neurodegenerative disorder. It is marked by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, psychiatric problems, and sleep issues. Insomnia is among the most distressing symptoms. It significantly reduces quality of life and worsens disease progression. Modern medicine provides only temporary relief, with no cure available. This case study examines how Ayurvedic management can help with Huntington’s chorea, linking it to Tandava Roga as described in Ayurvedic texts. A 30-year-old woman with a strong family history of HD came in with involuntary movements, slurred speech, trouble walking, behavioral issues, and chronic insomnia. Despite receiving allopathic and homeopathic treatments for a long time, her symptoms continued. Using Ayurvedic assessment, we diagnosed her condition as Tandava Roga, which involved vitiation of Vata-Kapha Dosha, depletion of Majja Dhatu, and disturbance in Rasavaha, Mamsavaha, and Majjavaha Srotodushti. We created a holistic treatment plan that included Shodhana therapies such as Sarvanga Snehana, Pinda Sweda, and Shiropichu, along with Shamana therapies. Special attention was given to treating her insomnia with Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), a well-known sleep aid and Vata-reducing herb.