Abstract
Background:
Migraine is a common and often disabling neurological disorder, affecting approximately 41 million adults worldwide, or 16.6% of the population. Women are nearly three times more likely than men to experience migraines. These headaches typically occur on one side of the head and may be triggered by psychological or physical stress. Migraine significantly impact daily life, and despite advances in modern medicine, no definitive cure exists. In Ayurveda, migraine is referred to as Ardhavabhedaka, a type of Shiroroga (which denotes diseases affecting the head)
Case Presentation:
A 39-year-old female presented with recurrent left-sided headaches occurring every three days for the past two years, associated with nausea and vomiting, photophobia and the pain was throbbing in nature.
Therapeutic intervention:
Ayurvedic management was planned according to Vyadhi avastha (disease stage) and Dosha pradhanyata (dosha predominance). The treatment included Dosha-shamana chikitsa (dosha-pacifying therapy), Nasya, Shirodhara, Nidana parivarjana and Deepana-pachana. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Numerical Pain Rating (NPR) scales.
Results:
The patient showed progressive improvement, with increases in the MIDAS score from 20 to 4 and the NPR score from 8 to 2. Frequency and severity of migraine episodes were markedly reduced, and associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and photophobia resolved.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the potential of individualised Ayurvedic management to reduce the severity, frequency, and disability associated with migraine. It underscores the importance of assessing Dosha and Vyadhi avastha when planning effective treatment and suggests that timely Ayurvedic interventions may be a safe, effective complementary approach to migraine care.

Key words: Ardhavabhedaka, Migraine, Shirodhara, Shirashoola