Tag: Muscle Weakness

How can Friedreich ataxia be Treated Naturally in Ayurveda?

ABSTRACT

Friedreich’s ataxia is a genetic and uncommon disorder which results in sensation loss in legs and arms, difficulty in walking and impairment of speech. This condition is also termed as spinocerebellar degeneration. There can be various types of ataxia from which Friedreich’s ataxia is one and it causes damage to certain parts of the brain and spinal cord resulting in these disabilities.Usually it is considered to be incurable and treatment is given to treat and manage the presenting complaints. This article contains all the information about Friedreich’s ataxia and herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda to manage the symptoms associated with it and to slow down the progression of the disease.

INTRODUCTION

Friedreich’s ataxia is a neurodegenerative, rare, progressive, genetic and movement disorder. This disorder affects the nervous system and leads to movement disturbances. People suffering from this disease develop impairment in coordination of muscles which becomes worse with passing time. Along with this it can also lead to abnormal changes in the heart like hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy which can prove to be fatal.

Abnormal curvature of the spine called scoliosis can also be developed during the course of disease in some individuals. Usually the signs and symptoms start to appear between the age of 5-15 years of a person’s life. Poor balance and coordination problems are the first features to be observed in the child. Sadly, within 10 years after the appearance of the signs and symptoms, the individual becomes wheelchair dependent due to worsening of the coordination and balancing ailments. In very uncommon cases these signs and symptoms can appear after the age of 25 years and such individuals are known to suffer from the late onset of Friedreich’s ataxia. Similarly Very late onset Friedreich’s ataxia is when the symptoms appear after the age of 40 years. Progression of disease is slower in later ones as compared to the typical type.

Symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms are gradually developed, usually between the age of 5-15 years of age in the typical type of Friedreich’s ataxia.

  • Difficulty in walking
  • Hearing loss
  • Weakness of muscles
  • Involuntary movements of the eyes
  • Low reflexes in the legs
  • Slurred speech or other speech problems
  • Lack of or poor coordination
  • Deformities of foot like clubfoot
  • Poor sensations of vibration in feet or legs
  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which results in some other sets of symptoms like light headedness, pain in chest, shortness of breath, dizziness and palpitations

Causes

Friedreich’s ataxia is an inherited genetic disorder which is passed through autosomal recessive transmission which means defective genes are passed from both the parents in order to manifest. A FXN gene is considered to be linked with it which normally is responsible for the production of 33 copies of certain DNA sequences but in this disorder the defective gene causes the sequence to repeat for 66 times or even 1000 times. Uncontrolled production of this specific gene results in brain damage specifically the cerebellum and spinal cord part. Family of history of Friedreich’s ataxia increases the risk of having it.

DIAGNOSIS

Complete medical history and thorough physical examination reveals the signs and symptoms and history which directs towards Friedreich’s ataxia. Further examinations are done to check the problem with the nervous system like balancing, muscles coordination, reflexes and sensations in legs and arms. Abnormalities in these examinations will strengthen the base of diagnosis which can be confirmed further with the help of CT scan or MRI findings. Some other tests done to confirm the diagnosis of Friedreich’ ataxia are

  • X- ray
  • Genetic testing
  • Electromyography
  • Nerve conduction study
  • Echocardiograms
  • Electrocardiograms

TREATMENT

However, Friedreich’s ataxia cannot be cured completely hence the treatment is aimed to treat the presenting complaints and slow down the progression of the disease along with improving the life quality of the patient.

Ayurveda offers certain herbal combinations which are prepared using the herbs that possess the therapeutic properties for such ailments naturally. Ayurveda is the science of life which means the aim of treatment is not only to treat the disease but also to improve the life quality of a person along with managing the current complaints.

HERBAL REMEDIES for FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

The herbal medicines and products formulated and manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are best among other similar products present in the market owing to the fact that they are prepared using authentic and organic herbs whose quality is ensured using several quality check and standardization products.

Planet Ayurveda is a very well known company of herbal products that indulges in the production of herbal remedies and products. MD Ayurveda doctors further prescribe these medicines to the patients as per the presenting ailments. For Friedreich’s ataxia, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies which helps in managing the disorder in a very natural way.

Products List

  1. Brahmi capsule
  2. Gotukola capsule
  3. Ashwagandha capsule
  4. Boswellia curcumin
  5. Shilajit capsule
  6. Yograj guggul

Herbal Supplements for Friedreich’s ataxia

Herbal Supplements for Friedreich’s ataxia

Products Description

1. Brahmi capsule

These amazing herbal capsules are prepared from standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) which is very well known for its neuroprotective properties. Brahmi capsules help in preventing damage to the brain and spinal cord, and in maintaining muscle coordination and speech

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

2. Gotukola capsule

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) in a standardized form is used to formulate the gotu kola capsules. These herbal capsules boost the cognitive function of the brain, improves circulation in the body, relieves stress and anxiety and helps in managing the neurodegenerative ailments like Friedreich’s ataxia.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

3. Ashwagandha capsule

It helps in giving the strength to the muscles improving their coordination and removing the fatigue and weakness from them. These capsules are prepared from Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha capsules act as a general health tonic.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Boswellia Curcumin

Two amazing herbs i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa) are used in the preparation of Boswellia curcumin capsules. It helps in treating pain and signs of inflammation and also boosts the immunity.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Shilajit capsule

Shilajit (Asphaltum) is used mainly in these capsules. Shilajit capsules give strength to muscles, managing the poor muscle coordination and weakness of muscles. It also helps in treating the general signs of weakness like dizziness or lightheadedness.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

6. Yograj guggul

It is formulated using Shuddh guggul (Commiphora mukul), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), Pippali (Piper longum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) etc. Yograj guggul helps in relieving the heart complaints like chest pain and shortness of breath along with treating the numbness and tingling sensation in extremities.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

CONCLUSION

Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare neurodegenerative disorder which can lead to various coordination and speech troubles. This condition can be managed and its progression can be slowed down to a certain extent improving the life quality of a patient using the herbal remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda.

What is Monomelic Amyotrophy?- Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Monomelic amyotrophy is a rarely occurring motor neuron disease which affects more men as compared to women. Age group of 15-25 years is common for onset of this disorder and symptoms start to appear in adolescent years. Monomelic amyotrophy usually affects Asians, however its distribution has been found throughout the globe. MMA or Monomelic amyotrophy is characterized by insidious development of atrophy of upper limb muscles and this grows further in about 2-5 years. After that there is no change in muscle atrophy, i.e. neither there is improvement nor worsens. No sensory loss or pain is reported in these cases and also MMA is not a hereditary disease. In this article you can get all the information about MMA along with its herbal management.

INTRODUCTION TO MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

MMA or Monomelic amyotrophy is a rare motor neuron disorder which causes weakness of muscles in the upper limb. Lower motor neurons are affected in MMA. These lower motor neurons are the cells which aid the communication and transfer of information to muscles from the brain, specifically skeletal muscles, the muscles which are responsible and involved in movements. There occurs loss or muscles mass and weakness of muscles in fingers and arms, i.e. upper extremities. Affected people usually develop the signs and symptoms around the age of 15-25 years. MMA is distributed worldwide but the countries which are affected most are Japan and India. It is not a hereditary disease but sometimes is found to run in families, however no specific gene or genetic mutation causing it is found yet.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

As per Ayurvedic concept, the diseases in which muscle wasting or muscle weakness occur are co related with Mamsa-vata-kshaya which is caused due to the impairment in muscle enzyme (Mamsagni) or Beeja dosha. Here the Vata dosha is impaired which leads to degeneration and wasting of muscles.

Monomelic amyotrophy

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

There can be various signs and symptoms of MMA, however symptoms may vary in persons and not all the symptoms and signs will be found in one person:

  • Weakness of muscles of fingers and hands
  • Onset of symptoms is seen in forearm or hand and on one side of body
  • Onset is usually between the age group of 15-25 years
  • Wasting of muscles which progresses in three to nine years
  • Other side of the body remains unaffected
  • No pain or numbness
  • In rare cases there can be seen spread to disease on other side f body usually after the age of 40 years
  • Weakness worsens in cold temperature, i.e. Cold paresis
  • Muscle cramps
  • Hands remain cold mostly
  • Tremors

CAUSES OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

The exact cause behind MMA remains unknown and not properly understood. However, the shift in position of the dural sac or thecal sac, i.e. the covering material which surrounds the spinal cord is considered to be the cause of this rare disease condition. Due to repeated flexion (downward movement) of the neck this may occur. It occurs on the spinal cord due to the changing position of the dural sac. Due to all these things, the ability of signals from the brain to arm muscles can be hampered and hence the signs and symptoms of MMA occur. Other than this there are some less common causes like an infection or dysfunction of the immune system.

DIAGNOSIS OF THE MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

The clinical history including signs and symptoms and physical examination will raise a suspicion of MMA in your doctor’s mind. Further this diagnosis is confirmed by certain laboratory tests and imaging tests. Imaging tests like CT scan and MRI shows the compression in the portions of the spinal cord. Further laboratory tests like EMG (Electromyography) shows the reduction in the response of the nerves which carries signals to arm muscles from the brain. However other causes of similar symptoms like trauma, muscle weakness or injury should be ruled out to confirm MMA.

TREATMENT OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

MMA is unfortunately considered to be an incurable disease and treatment is given to manage the symptoms of MMA and slow down the progression of disease and weakness of muscles. When the cause of the disease is compression of the spinal cord then a brace is given to be used around the neck which prevents the flexion, i.e downward movement of the neck. Certain muscle strengthening is recommended and in some cases even surgery can be suggested.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

Ayurvedic treatment aims at restoring the balance of the Vata dosha and preventing further damage to muscles. Treatment in Ayurveda aims at stopping or slowing down the progression of muscle wasting by removing the cause.

HERBAL TREATMENT BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

Planet Ayurveda is a very well known name in the field of herbal and Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies and has been serving people for a very long time now. All the products and herbal remedies are purely vegetarian and free from chemicals, additives, dye, fillers, colors, yeast and preservatives. For MMA Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies which help in stopping or slowing down the progression of disease and relieves the complaints.

Products List

  1. Shilajit capsule
  2. Ashwagandha capsule
  3. Boswellia curcumin
  4. Vrihat vatchintamani ras
  5. Brahmi vati gold

Products Description

1. Shilajit capsule

Shilajit (Asphaltum) is used in the standardized form in these capsules. These medicinal capsules impart strength to muscles managing the wasting and weakness of muscles. Shilajit capsule also helps in treating the weakness of muscles and symptoms associated with it.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Ashwagandha capsule

Ashwagandha capsules are prepared using Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) herb in its standardized form. Ashwagandha capsules help in preventing injuries to nerves and spinal cord, provide muscle strength and treat overall weakness.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice after meals with plain water

3. Boswellia curcumin

This therapeutic herbal capsule is prepared from two herbs, i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa) in their standardized form. Boswellia curcumin capsules act as herbal pain killers as they help in combating pain present in any part of the body and also inflammation is combated by them.

Dosage– Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Vrihat vatchintamani ras

Neurological disorders like MMA are caused due to the vitiation or imbalance of Vata dosha and these tablets help in restoring the balance of the dosha and treating disorder from root cause. These tablets are prepared using swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), pravala bhasma (Calx of coral), rajata bhasma (Calx of silver), loha bhasma(Calx of iron) and mukta bhasma (Calx of pearl) etc.

Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Brahmi vati gold

It is the herbo-mineral combination of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) Swarna makshika bhasma (Calx of copper and iron pyrite) etc. Brahmi vati gold tablets help in treating the nervous system disorder like MMA and also help in restoring the normal transfer of signals from brain to muscles.

Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily after meals with plain water

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

CONCLUSION

Monomelic amyotrophy or MMA is a rare condition for which no proper treatment is yet established in modern medicine but as Ayurveda is the ancient medicine system, there is a solution of this disease in it. Taking the above mentioned remedies can help in slowing down or even stopping the progression of MMA.