Unlocking Potential: Ayurveda's Role in Managing Motor Neuron Disease

Introduction

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the motor neurons (upper and lower motor neurons). Upper motor neurons carry messages from the brain to brain stem and spinal cord, and Lower motor neurons carry messages from there to muscles. Thus the activity of muscles is controlled by motor neurons and damage to these neurons will cause progressive muscle weakness and wasting. The sensory system is not affected and so the vision, hearing etc are not affected and bowel and bladder controls are normal in MND.

CAUSES

The actual cause is unknown, however possible causes may be

• Viral infections

• Trauma

• Exposure to toxins

• Genetic factors

TYPES

• Progressive muscular dystrophy : Lower motor neurons are usually affected. Weakness of the hand is the initial feature

• Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) : Upper and lower motor neurons are affected. Slurred speech and swallowing difficulty is the prime feature.

• Amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS) : Most common form. Both upper and lower motor neurons are affected. Weakness and wasting of limbs is the marked feature.

• Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) : Rare type. Upper motor neurons are usually involved clumsiness of hand and speech problems are noted initially

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Presentation varies depending upon the group of muscles that are affected initially.

• There may be wasting and weakness of muscles of hand.

• Stiffness of legs, dragging of a leg while walking, weakness of leg muscles may be seen initially.

• Difficulty in movements like walking, swallowing, talking etc are seen

• Breathing problems occurs when respiratory muscles are affected

• Poor concentration and cognitive changes like problems in memory, speech, learning etc may be experienced.

DIAGNOSIS

• Based on History and Clinical features

• Specific Laboratory investigations are not present

• Brain imaging can be done to rule out other pathologies

• Muscle biopsy may be done

AVURVEDIC PROSPECTIVE

Motor neuron disease can be correlated as an Aavaranaja Vaatha vyadhi where vaatha dosha is suppressed by other doshas and also anyonya aavarana by the five divisions of vaatha dosha occurs resulting in loss of normal functions of vaatha dosha. Vaatha dosha is responsible for movement and neurological functions in body. Since this is an Aavaranaja Vaatha roga, the usual course of therapy cannot be applied here. A judicious plan of management has to be set depending upon the symptoms shown by the patient.

Rookshana therapy is usually the initial step of management. It includes:

• Udvartana

• Choorna pinda sweda

• Patra potala sweda

• Dhanyamla dhaara

• Rooksha Vasthietc

Use of such therapies initially will help destroy the obstruction to the movement of vaata dosha. These procedures will be accompanied with suitable internal medications like decoctions, powders, tablets etc prepared from herbs as well as minerals that can destroy the entrapment to vaata dosha.

Sodhana chikitsa : Elimination of toxins from body is essential. Otherwise the pathogenesis can reverse itself. Thus suitable Panchakarma procedures which are the five cleansing therapies of Ayurveda, are to be done as per the demand of the condition. Once the pathway of vaatha dosha has been cleared, and kevala vaathika avastha has been attained, suitable nourishing therapies can be done to nourish the muscles and other body tissues that have shrunk as a part of the pathogenesis of the disease. They include:

• Mamsa upanaaha

• Abhyanga with maasha taila, mahamaasha taila etc

• Shaashtika pinda sweda

• Internal administration of medicated oil, ghee, confections etc

• Taila dhaara etc

Pathya aahaara : A careful diet plan during and after the course of treatment is necessary to prevent further pathogenesis of the disease and also for making the treatment effective.

Use of Rasayana preparations : Rasayanas are preparations that can rejuvenate the body tissues. Proper use of these highly valuable preparations after the main course of treatment can help to increase the longevity of the patient.