Rett syndrome is a rare
neuro- developmental disorder which exclusively affects girls. A genetic defect causes an abnormal expression
of genes, leading to defects in brain development. This syndrome is characterized by an early
normal growth, followed by a slowing of development, loss of purposeful use of
hands, distinctive hand movements, slowing down of brain and head growth,
problems with walking, convulsions, and intellectual impairment. Apraxia caused by this disease leads to
severe disability of motor function causing a dysfunction of body movements,
especially eye control and speech coordination.
The severity and course of this disease may vary considerably from
person-to-person. Treatment is
supportive and involves a multidisciplinary approach.
The Ayurvedic herbal
treatment for Rett syndrome involves the long-term use of herbal medicines
which help in brain development and improve the functioning of different parts
of the brain to the maximum extent possible.
Herbal medicines have a direct action on brain cells as well as on the
chemical neurotransmitters which transmit messages to and fro between the brain
cells and from nerves to muscles in different parts of the body.
Medicines are also
given which act on the metabolic activity of different tissues at the cellular
level so as to normalize the abnormal expression of genes to the maximum extent
possible. This allows for normalization
of tissues at the cellular level and thereby helps in normal growth and
development of the brain, the entire nervous system, as well as the body tissues.
Since this is a
lifelong medical condition, aggressive treatment involving high doses of herbal
medicines can be given for the first 18 to 24 months so as to bring about a
medical reversal of the condition to the maximum extent possible, without
causing any serious adverse effects.
After this period, low dose herbal therapy can be given as maintenance
in order to continue bringing about improvement as well as stabilizing the
results obtained with the previous treatment.
Medical intervention
by different professionals is necessary in order to handle all the disabilities
and day-to-day problems resulting from this syndrome. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can help to
considerably reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and improve overall
survival in individuals affected with Rett syndrome.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
