Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS)

Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) is a motor neuron disease in which the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles degenerate and die, causing a progressive muscular weakness.  Unlike Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), PLS affects only upper motor neurons.  PLS is considered hereditary only if occurring in childhood.  The usual onset is after 50 years of age, with a progression over several decades.  Symptoms usually commence from the lower extremities and include imbalance, weakness, clumsiness, muscle cramps and pain, spasticity, speech and swallowing impediments, difficulty in breathing, hyper-reflexia, emotional labiality, bladder urgency, and occasionally, cognitive changes.  There are no specific diagnostic tests for this condition; this is usually done by exclusion of other diseases and through long-term observation.

The modern treatment for PLS is symptomatic, with drugs to reduce spasticity and muscle cramps, and the use of physiotherapy and speech therapy as required.  PLS is known to usually cause gradual and progressive disability.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for PLS is usually similar to that of ALS.  Medicines which act on the brain and central nervous system are used in high doses in the management of this condition.  In addition, medicines which act on the neuromuscular junctions as well as on muscles and tendons are also useful in the management of this condition.  Medicines which have a direct action on the body metabolism are also useful while treating this disease.

Localised treatment in the form of fomentation and massage using medicated oils and pastes also helps in bringing about a significant relief from symptoms.  Progressively higher doses of herbal medicines are given in order to bring about the maximum possible improvement as early as possible.  Ayurvedic treatment needs to be continued for periods ranging from 12 to 18 months.  Treatment can stabilise symptoms, bring about a gradual remission of the disease, prevent further deterioration and considerably improve quality of life as well as overall life span of affected individuals.  Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of PLS.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com

Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment for Amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is also known as ALS and is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system which results in progressive muscular weakness, cramps, wasting, and spasticity.  There are several different types of ALS which include classic, sporadic, and familial.  ALS is basically a motor neuron disease which causes inflammation of the nerves coming out from the spinal cord.  This condition is most common in adults from the age of 50 to 70.  Currently, there is no known treatment for ALS in the modern system of medicine.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment for ALS is aimed at treating the inflammation and progressive degeneration which is characteristic of this disease.  Ayurvedic herbal medicines which are known to improve and strengthen the nervous system, and which bring about a regeneration of the nerve cells are used in high doses in the treatment of this condition.  Inflammation is treated with herbal medicines which have a known anti-inflammatory action as well as a soothing action on the nerves and the microcirculation supplying the nerves.

Treatment for ALS is mainly in the form of oral medication that can be supplemented with localized treatment in the form of application of medicated oils, followed by fomentation with medicated steam.  Localised treatment also helps in stimulating the peripheral nerves to heal quickly and brings about an early change in neuromuscular coordination, balance and sensory input.

Individuals affected with ALS need to take regular treatment for at least 6 to 9 months in order to significantly benefit from Ayurvedic herbal treatment.  However, it is important to note that for a disease with no known cure and treatment, Ayurvedic herbal treatment can successfully improve the quality of life and significantly improve the survival and life span of affected individuals.  Aggressive treatment for prolonged periods can bring about a remission in this condition.

The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com