Ataxia telangiectasia,
also known as A-T or Louis Bar Syndrome, is a rare and inherited neuro-degenerative
disease. This disease is characterized
by ataxia or poor coordination and movements as well as involuntary movements
due to dysfunction of the cerebellum; dilated capillaries in different parts of
the body – especially in the eyes - known as telangiectasia; a reduced
immunity, causing a predisposition to infections of the ear, sinuses and lungs;
an inability to repair broken DNA, thereby increasing the risk of cancer; delayed
milestones; early ageing; and feeding as well as swallowing problems.
This disease usually makes
an appearance in early childhood. The conservative
management of this condition includes symptomatic treatment as well as special
education and supervision by a team of experts.
Ayurvedic treatment can be judiciously utilised to control and manage
all the symptoms of this condition.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines are primarily used to strengthen the
different parts of the brain and nerves, especially the cerebellum. Herbal medicines are also given to improve
neuromuscular coordination and strengthen nerves, muscles and tendons.
Concurrent herbal treatment
also needs to be given to boost the immune status of the body and normalize
damaged DNA in order to prevent the risk of infections and cancers, as well as
to prevent early ageing and normalize growth of the body tissues. Treatment also needs to be given to treat
dilated capillaries and strengthen blood vessels. Overall, medicines which normalize the growth
of all the tissues in the body are useful in the management of this condition. If required, localized supplementary treatment
in the form of full body massage can also be done with the help of medicated
herbal oils.
The normal life
expectancy for individuals with ataxia telangiectasia is about 25 years; modern
management has enabled a much longer survival for affected individuals. Additional Ayurvedic treatment can help to
significantly control and treat most of the symptoms of this disease. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can therefore
definitely help to improve the quality of life of patients affected with ataxia
telangiectasia.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
