Skanda (Bala Graha) and Cerebral Palsy – A Review

Abstract

Among the Ashtanga Ayurveda, Kaumarbhritya focuses on child care in particular. Graharogais the most neglected portion due to excess mythological explanation, difficulty in clinical understanding, diagnosis, severity, complication, and treatment is entirely different from the routine disorder of children. Graharogas are those entities that attack and seize the body then affect the neonates and children very quickly with high mortality. Different acharyas describe Graha with their types, symptoms and treatment. Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagabhatta describe Skanda graha- commander-in-chief of the army of Devatas. The symptoms of the affected child resemble very much with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of childhood disability affecting function and development. The motor disorders of cerebral palsy are often accompanied by disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition communication, and behavior. Therefore, this paper aims to understand Balagraha with the modern aspect as well as its clinical application in day-to-day practice.