Abstract

Objective: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopment disorder attributed to an insult or injury to the developing brain with abnormalities in muscular tone, movement and motor skill. Improvement in quality of life and ameliorating symptoms can be achieved. Therefore, this case report details a distinctive approach to treating a 5-year-old male child with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy utilizing Unani treatment modalities. Methods: The treatment regimen commenced with ‘Habb Ayarij for constipation followed by Sharbat Ustukhuddus administered orally. Notably, Sharbat Ustukhuddus was combined with Melia Azedarach L. leaves vapour bath. Subsequently, Roghan Babunna douche was performed followed by Dalk Layyin and continued until symptomatic improvement was observed. Majun Falasfa, Khamira Marwareed and Khameera Gauzaban were administered for 30 days. The therapeutic outcome included anthropometrical measurements, developmental milestones, spasm/reflex scale, and muscle power grading. Results and conclusion: Over the course of a 2-year follow-up, several clinical findings emerged. These included notable improvements in anthropometric measurements, developmental milestones such as improved head control and sitting ability, and a reduction in spasticity of the upper limbs, along with decreased muscle spasms. The therapeutic outcome of this individualized and holistic approach is potentially due to the multifaceted properties of medicinal plants (Musakkin wa Muharrik wa Muqawwi-i- A‘sab wa Dimāgh, Munawwim, Dafi-i-Tashannuj, Muqawwi-i-Qalb-i-Ruh). Furthermore, the use of Dalk and Naṭūl was instrumental in providing nourishment to musculoskeletal cells and initiating intracellular signaling cascades. While these findings are encouraging, further research in the form of case series and randomized controlled trials is warranted to validate the efficacy of this unique holistic approach.