Ayurvedic approach in the management of ALS (MND) - A Case Study

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is progressive motor neuron disease (MND) in which nuclei of upper & motor neurons in spinal cord, cranial nerve & motor cortex are involved. ALS also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The illness is relentlessly progressive in nature, leading to death by respiratory paralysis. There is an incidence of 1-3 per100000 & a prevalence of 3-5 per 100000. It exhibits muscle weakness, Fasciculation, Dysphagia, etc. leads to the complications as involvement of pyramidal signs. This disease affects normal rhythm of life ultimately results in the limitations of day-to-day routine. In this case study 50 years old male patient had symptoms of weakness in Lower extremities, Dysphagia, unable to stand without support, slurred speech. He diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in 2022 at SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal. He took treatment in various hospitals of Kolkata but he didn’t get any relief. Then he came to our institute in the hope of proper management. The term ALS is not mentioned in our Samhita however we can clinically correlate the sign & symptoms of this disease with Avritta (~Occlusion) Pakshaghat (~Paralysis). After 3 months of treatment, patient was assessed clinically & with the help of ALSFRS -R Score. Before treatment it was 10 which was increased to 30, showing significant improvement also noticed in his various activities.