Dr. Shamim Khan Successfully Treats "Cervical Dystonia" – A Previously Untreatable Condition – Using Unani Medicine

Dr. Mohammad Shamim Khan, MD (Unani), Senior Medical Officer and In-charge at the Government Unani Dispensary in Masjid Gali, Bhimganj Mandi, Kota Junction, working under the Directorate of Unani Medicine, Rajasthan Government, has successfully treated a 64-year-old woman suffering from **Cervical Dystonia** for six years using Unani medicine.

The patient, Rehana, a resident of Vigyan Nagar, Kota, had been experiencing persistent neck pain, stiffness, and involuntary twisting of the neck since March 24, 2021. She had difficulty moving her head, her neck kept turning backward on its own, and her balance had deteriorated. She found it increasingly difficult to walk or look forward. To support her neck, she had to wear a neck collar. Additionally, she had diabetes. Despite seeking treatment from neuro-specialists, including consultations at AIIMS Delhi, Jaipur, and Kota for over three years, her condition did not improve. Doctors had termed it an untreatable condition and had only been managing her symptoms.

Upon further examination of her medical history, it was found that six years earlier, the patient had undergone gallbladder surgery. Due to complications caused by her diabetes, the surgical wound did not heal properly and became infected with tuberculosis. She received continuous treatment with DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) drugs for eight months. During this period, the symptoms of cervical dystonia began to appear. By the end of the eight months, the condition had fully developed, suggesting that the side effects of the DOTS drugs were responsible for the onset of cervical dystonia.

Dr. Khan prescribed a specialized Unani treatment regimen for the patient, which included avoiding sour foods, and using natural Unani medicines formulated with herbs such as *Dafe-e-Tashannuj* (for relieving muscle spasms), *Muqavvi-e-Asab* (for strengthening nerves), and *Dafe-e-Samiyyat* (for detoxifying the nervous system). After starting this treatment, the patient experienced relief from neck pain, stiffness, and spasms. 

After one month of Unani treatment, the neck collar that the patient had been wearing for the past six years was no longer needed. Gradually, the symptoms of cervical dystonia began to reduce. By September 30, 2023, after continuous Unani treatment, all the symptoms—neck pain, stiffness, involuntary twisting, and tremors—disappeared completely. The patient's neck became completely straight, and she regained balance and coordination. She could move freely and had no difficulty walking or performing daily activities.

This case marks a significant milestone in medical history, as it is perhaps the first instance where a previously untreatable condition like cervical dystonia was completely cured using Unani medicine, without surgery or allopathic drugs.

Dr. Khan emphasized that Unani medicine not only helps improve the body’s immune system but also aids in faster recovery from illnesses. Moreover, Unani treatments help protect vital organs like the liver and kidneys from the harmful side effects of conventional medicine.

Dr. Khan has previously treated several complex and chronic conditions successfully with Unani medicine, including paralysis, stroke, rheumatism, migraine, sciatica, frozen shoulder, post-traumatic cervical myelopathy, and other muscle and joint-related diseases.