Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) -- Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) forms part of a group of diseases known as motor neuron disease, in which the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles degenerate and die, causing a progressive muscular weakness.  A similar condition, known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is usually hereditary, affects both upper and lower motor neurons, and can be fatal in the long run.  Unlike ALS, PLS affects only upper motor neurons, and is considered hereditary only if it occurs in childhood.  Though rare, some patients with PLS have been observed to gradually convert over time to ALS.

Common symptoms for PLS include imbalance, weakness, clumsiness, muscle cramps and pain, spasticity, speech and swallowing difficulties, difficulty in breathing, hyper-reflexia, emotional labiality, bladder urgency, and occasionally, cognitive changes.  Symptoms usually commence from the lower extremities and may gradually progress to the upper extremities.  The onset of symptoms is usually after 50 years of age, with a gradual progression over several decades.  There are currently no specific tests which are diagnostic of this condition.  A diagnosis is usually made by exclusion of other possible diseases, and long-term observation.

Ayurvedic herbal treatment is similar for all motor neuron diseases.  The management of PLS includes the use of herbal medicines which have a specific action on the brain and the central nervous system.  Additionally, medicines which act on the neuromuscular junctions as well as the muscles and tendons are also very useful in the management of this condition.  A combination of medicines acting on the nerves as well as on muscles brings about the maximum possible benefit at the earliest.  The dosage of medicines needs to be progressively increased - subject to patient tolerance - over a period of several months, in order to bring about the maximum possible therapeutic benefit.

Herbal medicines which are useful in the management of PLS include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri).  Herbal combinations and herbo-mineral medicines useful in the management of this condition include Bruhat Vat Chintamani, Maha Vat Vidhvans Ras, Khanj Nikari Ras, Vasant Kusumakar Ras, Vishtinduk Vati, Heerak Bhasma, Trivanga Bhasma, Triphala Guggulu, Trayodashang Guggulu, Panchatikta Ghruta Guggulu, and Sameerpannag Ras.

Oral treatment can also be supplemented with localized therapy in the form of full body massage using medicated oils, followed by steam fomentation using medicated decoctions. Medicated oils useful for massage include Maha Narayan oil, Maha Mashadi oil, and Maha Saindhavadi oil.  Medicated decoctions for steam fomentation are usually prepared from medicines like Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) and Dashmool (Ten herbal roots).

Depending upon the chronicity and severity of symptoms, treatment needs to be given for periods ranging from 12 to 24 months.  Long-term, high dose herbal treatment can stabilize symptoms, reduce disability, bring about a gradual remission of the disease, prevent further deterioration, improve quality of life, and significantly increase the 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 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