Paraneoplastic
cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare condition occurring in one percent of cancer
patients and is usually seen in middle-aged women. An auto immune reaction causes symptoms
associated with lung, ovarian, or breast cancer, and lymphomas. This destroys part of the cerebellum and
produces an antibody known as anti-YO.
Cerebellar atrophy causes a rapid progression of symptoms for about six
months after which the progress of the symptoms slows down. Symptoms usually include dysarthria, ataxia,
vertigo, nausea, vomiting, diplopia and nystagmus. The neurological symptoms usually precede the
diagnosis of the underlying cancer.
Treatment of the underlying cancer usually does not affect the
neurological symptoms.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment
for PCD usually involves the use of high doses of herbal medicines which have a
specific action on nerve cells, the nervous system, as well as the brain. These medicines help in regeneration of the
damaged cells as well as the inter-connections between brain cells. A judicious combination of different herbal
medicines can help prevent or reduce brain damage and atrophy. Symptomatic treatment also needs to be given
for different symptoms related to balance and coordination.
Herbal medicines are also
required to provide immunomodulation for the affected individuals so as to
directly or indirectly treat the causative cancer. If possible, herbal medicines may also be given
to directly treat the cancer, if specifically detected. Immunomodulation can also prevent further
damage to the brain and nervous system.
Depending upon the
severity of the condition, Ayurvedic herbal treatment may be required for
periods ranging from 6 to 12 months.
Though this condition is known to be rapidly progressive, aggressive
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can definitely improve symptoms and significantly
reduce morbidity and mortality.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the
management and treatment of PCD.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
