Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF DEMYELINATING SENSORIMOTOR POLYNEUROPATHY WITH BULBAR INVOLVEMENT (COMPLICATION OF GBS): A CASE STUDY

Dr. Chandaliya Sachin Shantilal and Dr. Agarkar Vishakha Yadavrao

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Abstract

Demyelinating sensorimotor polyneuropathy-Sensorimotor polyneuropathy is a body wide (systemic) process that damages nerve cells, nerve fibers (axons), and nerve coverings (myelin sheath). Damage to the covering of the nerve cell causes nerve signals to slow or stop. Polyneuropathy is peripheral neuropathy occurring in the same area on both sides of the body. Aim- To manage a Demyelinating Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy with Bulbar Involvement (complication of GBS)case by an ayurvedic approach. Objective- To assess a symptomatic relief in Demyelinating Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy with Bulbar Involvement (complication of GBS) case. Methodology: A 36 year female patient, presenting with Ubhaya hasta padadaurbalya- Both upper and lower limbs weakness, kriya haani-unable to do proper function, Gaurava- Heaviness, chimchimaayana- numbness, Oshtha aasamant pradeshi chimchimayana – numbness around lips, brought by relatives in IPD of panchakarma department of Pakwasa Samanvay Rugnalaya, Nagpur. Previously patient admitted and treated at Government hospital, Nagpur but did not show any sign of improvement. So patient was admitted and treated with Ayurvedic management for 48 days. As per Ayurvedic classics this condition can be correlated with sarvangroga as updrava of jeernajwarajanyavataprakopa (Demyelinating Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy as a complication of Guillain Barre Syndrome). The signs and symptoms of this case resemble with those of nirupastambhitavataprakopa (provocated vata without obstruction) as mentioned in vatavyadhi. The principle of treatment is to treat nirupastambhitavata which is spreading all over body, depleting immunity and reducing the strength of dhatus(fundamental elements) and oja (vigor). Properties like Snigdha (unctuosness), Guru (heaviness), Ushna (hot), Mrudu (smooth), Sthira (steady), Manda (sluggish), Shlakshna (smoothness)gunas (properties)were used for treatment. Snehana(oleiation), Brumhana (nourishment), Swedana (fomentation)were used as principles of treatment. Abhyanga, swedana, basti (medicated enema), nasya (administration of drugs through nasal route) with a few sessions of physiotherapy were used as a treatment protocols. Orally rasakalpas (herbo-mineral medicines) and various other ayurvedic drugs were used. Remarkable results were observed in the muscle power from three to five in the lower limbs. Improvement in sitting, standing, walking was also observed. Conclusion- In this patient symptomatic relief is seen in one month & 15 days, which is suggestive of beneficial effects of ayurvedic treatment.

Keywords: Demyelinating Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy, abhyanga, swedana, basti, nasya.