AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF HERPES ZOSTER OPHTHALMICUS -A SINGLE CASE STUDY

Abstract

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) is a disease that occurs when the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve is impaired as a result of reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. HZO develops in 10-20% of patients who experience reactivation of zoster in the fifth cranial nerve dermatome. Ophthalmic involvement has been considered the most important and potentially serious of all sites of Herpes Zoster. This teaching case illustrates many of the classic signs and symptoms of HZO and discusses appropriate treatment, management and patient education. The case report explores important clinical findings and consideration in the treatment of HZO. This case emphasizes the need for a list of differential when patient comes with comorbid diseases. Thus it also teaches to manage multiple conditions in same patient, all of which may contribute to patient’s visual impairment and may be important in the determination of treatment and prognosis. Materials and methods: this prospective study was conducted to a patient who was clinically diagnosed to have HZO who attended outpatient department of shalakya tanatra. Result: Patient got significant relief in all presenting symptoms. Conclusion: The potential ocular manifestations of HZO are numerous. Ocular complications were less frequent in this patient when given systemic medicines. Any disease which is not mentioned in our classics can be treated with basic principles of Ayurveda whether it is in acute condition or a chronic one.