Dr. Anand V. Kalaskar, Umesh B. Pawar, Nikita K. Raskar
Visvachi is described in Ayurveda as a Vataja Vyadhi of the upper limb, characterized by radiating pain, stiffness, sensory changes, and functional loss, closely resembling cervical radiculopathy in modern medicine. Cervical radiculopathy presents with neck and arm pain, sensory disturbances, and motor weakness due to cervical nerve root involvement. Aim: To present a conceptual review of Visvachi lakshana as described in the Brhattrayi (Charaka, Susruta, Astanga Hrdaya) and to correlate them with the clinical features of cervical radiculopathy and findings obtained through modern diagnostic modalities such as MRI, EMG, nerve conduction studies, and X-ray.. Materials and Methods. A narrative literary review was performed using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) for Visvachi lakshana, and standard modern neurology and orthopaedic references and review articles for clinical features and diagnostic criteria of cervical radiculopathy. Lakshana of Visvachi were systematically listed and juxtaposed with the symptom complex of cervical radiculopathy. Modern diagnostic modalities were described in terms of how they objectify the same clinical features. Results: Visvachi lakshana—Ruk/Shoola (radiating pain), Stambha (stiffness), Gurutva (heaviness), Toda (tingling), Supti (numbness), Gatirodha (restricted movement), Karmakshaya (loss of function), and Spandana (twitching)—closely correspond to neck and arm pain, paresthesia, sensory loss, motor weakness, reflex changes, and restricted range of motion seen in cervical radiculopathy. Modern diagnostic modalities, especially MRI and EMG/nerve conduction studies, objectively demonstrate structural and functional nerve root involvement that explains these symptoms. Conclusion: The Brhattrayi descriptions of Visvachi lakshana of described in Ayurvedic classics conceptually and clinically parallel the symptomatology of cervical radiculopathy. Modern diagnostic modalities serve as objective tools that corroborate the classical clinical picture, supporting an integrative diagnostic approach and strengthening the scientific understanding of Visvachi in the light of contemporary neurology.