EFFECT OF AYURVEDIC AND PANCHAKARMA TREATMENT IN ASTHI MAJJA GATA VATA (PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS): A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is condition arising as sequel of demyelination of nervous tissue. It is recurring or chronically progressive leading to loss of sensory and motor functions. With immunosuppressant or cortico-steroids as only available treatment in modern sciences, ayurveda can be ray of hope. A 35 years old female was suffering from pain, burning, stiffness and complete weakness (MPG zero grade) in lumbar region and both lower extremities along with loss of sensation, loss of bowel-bladder control for 18 months. She was diagnosed case of multiple sclerosis (Kurtzke disability grade eight). MRI of brain showed small periventricular focus of demyelination in right corona radiata. Patient was diagnosed as a case of asthi-majja gata vata. Patient received ayurvedic treatment – mahayogaraja guggulu (500 mg) with ashwagandharishta (30 ml) twice daily, powders of shatavari and ashwagandha (each 5 gm) twice daily with milk and chandra-prabha-vati (500 mg) twice daily before food. Patient received sarvanga abhyanga with bala-taila and shali-shashtika-pinda sweda. Patient received matra basti with rasnadi taila (25 sittings), followed by course of bruhatyadi-yapana basti (16 sittings). Patient received treatment from August 2003 to December 2003. Patient showed significant improvement in pain, weakness and power loss. Muscle power improved from zero grade to third grade in both lower extremities. Initially patient could not stand due to weakness while after treatment she could walk with walker. Kurtzke disability scale stage improved from eight to six. Ayurvedic treatment is useful in severely debilitating conditions such as multiple sclerosis.