Introduction
Loss of function of the nerves (neurones) in the spine and brain i.e. neurodegenerative disorders are commonly referred to as Motor Neurone Disease.
They are the commonest form of neurodegenerative diseases, however, they are rare. ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig's disease is the commonest type of MND.
Age Predilection
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) can occur at any age however the symptoms usually start appearing after the age of 40.
It is more common in men than women.Etiology
The etiology behind MND is unknown, however research depicts the following etiological factors :
- Exposure of certain toxins and chemicals
- Inflammation and damage to immune system response
- Ageing of motor neurones
- Exposure of viruses.
Clinical Features Associated With Motor Neurone Disease
- Loss of speech
- Mild Behavioural change
- Difficulty in doing day-to-day activities, therefore, remaining dependent on others
- Sleep disturbances
- Breathlessness and Dysphagia
- Develop Paralysis of both sides of the body
Symptoms Associated With Motor Neurone Disease
Symptoms of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) are categorized in 3 stages namely: Early, Middle and Advanced.
Symptoms in Early Stage of Motor Neurone Disease
- Fatigue
- Slurred Speech
- Weak arms and legs
- Difficulty in picking up and holding things due to difficult grasp
- Difficulty in breathing (Dyspnoea)
- Weight Loss
- Abnormal responses with respect to emotions like laughing or crying
Symptoms in the Middle Stage of Motor Neurone Disease
It is a severe form of the early stage of the disease characterized by:
- Pain in joints
- Drooling of Saliva
- Breathing difficulties
- Shrinkage of muscles of the body
- Personality changes.
Later Stages of Motor Neurone Disease May Develop
Brain involvement, memory and language problems consequently leading to dementia, depression and insomnia.
Symptoms of Advanced Stage Motor Neurone Disease
Is a life-threatening phase where the patient is not able to move, breathe and thereby leading to death due to Dyspnoe problems.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Management of Motor Neurone Disease
- Shankhpuspi (Convulvus Pluricaulis)
- Mandukaparni (Centella Asiatica)
- Brahmi (Bacopa Moneiri)
1. Shankhpuspi
This effective ayurvedic herb is helpful in the treatment of nervous disability, fatigue and insomnia. Due to its effect on brain cells, it thereby produces a feeling of relief, calmness and peace with a decrease in stress levels by serving as a brain tonic. It acts by relieving mental fatigue with nontoxic properties and free from side effects. This herb balances the Kapha-Vatta and Pitta doshas and thereby improves overall wellbeing.
2. Mandukparni
This herb is extremely effective as it acts on behaviour along with exhibiting neuroprotective brain growth properties. It also inhibits memory impairment and decreases stress levels. It thereby gives a boost to our wisdom and intellect. It energizes the brain and helps in the proper functioning of brain cells.
3. Brahmi
It is the ayurvedic herb of grace which boosts up the brain functioning, decreases stress and anxiety and increases learning and ability to retain information.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Motor Neurone Disease by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda provides the ayurvedic formulations to boost up the brain activity in the patients suffering from Motor Neurone Disease (MND). These formulations do not have any side effects and are natural as well as herbal.
The following is the list of ayurvedic formulations for MND:
Herbal Supplements for Motor Neurone Disease
1. Gotukola Capsules
It is prepared from pure extract of Mandukparni/Gotukola. This herb balances the 3 doshas within the body, maintains and boosts up the brain activity.
Dose: 2 capsules twice a day after meals.
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
These capsules are prepared with the standardized extract of Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) herb. It helps relieve paralysis symptoms and relieves physiological functions by working on the neuroendocrine system.
Dose: 1 Capsule twice daily after the meals.
3. Brahmi Capsules
It balances the Pitta and Kapha doshas in the body. It further decreases stress and makes the mind calm, relaxed and regenerates brain cells.
Dose: 2 Capsules two times daily after meals.
4. Shilajit Capsules
This capsule is made up of Shilajit herb which eliminates toxins from the body and decreases stress.
Dose: 1-2 capsules once or twice a day after meals.
5. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
This formulation is made by a combination of natural ingredients like Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Loha Bhasma, Abbraka Bhasma, Pravela Bhasma, Mukta Bhasma, Suta Bhasma, Aloe Vera juice.
This formulation increases mental health, keeps the nervous system healthy and also balances the doshas.
Dose: 1 Capsule twice a day after the meals.
Panchkarma Treatments for Motor Neurone Disease
1. Patra Potli Massage
This effective herbal massage improves blood circulation, increases muscle strength, relieves body pain and stiffness. It is also an anti-ageing treatment.
2. Shashtishali Pind Swedan
It is one of the most important swedana (sweat-inducing) therapies. It rejuvenates and treats insomnia and muscle weaknesses. It delays ageing, removes stiffness of the joints and cleans all body passages.
3. Shirodhara
This ayurvedic therapy involves gentle pouring of the liquids over the forehead. "Shiro" means head and "Dhara" means flow.
- It is extremely effective in the treatment of neurological disorders.
- It also improves sleep quality amongst suffering patients. It relieves mental stress also. It relaxes the hypothalamus in the brain and brings the activity of hormones to a normal level so as to regulate sleep and emotions.
