Wernike's encephalopathy is a condition involving a combination of loss of balance, eye disease, confusion, and short-term memory loss. This is usually caused due to damage to different parts of the brain resulting from inadequate consumption or absorption of vitamin B1 and carbohydrate. The situation can usually be seen with chronic alcohol consumption, cancer of the stomach, chronic gastritis, Crohn's disease, and intractable vomiting. The modern management of this condition involves intravenous or intramuscular injection of vitamin B1 and other intravenous fluids. Early treatment brings about a prompt and complete recovery; however, established brain damage can cause long-term complications, with an increased morbidity and mortality.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for Wernike's encephalopathy is aimed at treating the root cause of the disease and preventing its long-term complications. Treatment for the acute condition is usually with hospitalization; however, long-term treatment can be done with Ayurvedic medicines and other associated treatments. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which strengthen the brain and nervous system and bring about regeneration of damaged nerve cells form the mainstay of treatment in the chronic management of this condition. Known deficiencies in affected individuals can be treated with appropriate nutritional supplements.
Herbal medicines which have an anti-inflammatory action and which have a specific action on the brain are also used the management of this condition. These medicines remove the swelling and damage in different parts of the brain and commence the process of regeneration and repair, as well as improve the communication between different nerve cells. While the main treatment is in the form of oral medication, local treatment can also be used as a supplement, in order to bring about an early recovery and reduce the overall treatment time. Local therapy is in the form of massage with medicated oils followed by medicated steam fomentation. Panchkarma treatments like Shiro Basti and Shirodhara can also be used to provide local treatment on the scalp, which in turn help reduce brain damage.
Depending upon the severity of the condition and the presence of complications, Ayurvedic herbal long-term treatment of Wernike's encephalopathy may be required for about 6 to12 months. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of this condition.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
