Abstract
Arachnoiditis is a painful disorder. It is caused by the inflammation of the arachnoid membrane which surrounds the nerves of the central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord. Due to the inflammation, it causes intense pain and various neurological symptoms like numbness, and loss of sensation. This is a chronic disorder that affects the nerves and hampers its functions. As it is a manageable condition, herbal formulations and remedies will help in managing the condition in a good and effective way.
What is Arachnoiditis?
It is the inflammation of the arachnoid membrane which leads to the formation of scar tissue and causes nerves to stick together and produce various neurological symptoms. The patient may complain of intense pain, numbness, loss of sensation, and other associated symptoms.
The ayurvedic aspect of Arachnoiditis
In Ayurveda, the main cause of all the diseases is due to imbalance in three vital energies i.e. Vata, Pitta, Kapha. We can correlate Arachnoiditis with " Mastishk Shotha". Mastishk Shotha is due to the vitiation of tridoshas i.e. Vata Pitta and Kapha. The imbalance in these tridoshas will lead to symptoms like Shoola (Pain), Gaurav (heaviness), and Ushma (Hot on touch).
What are the Symptoms of Arachnoiditis?
The commonest symptom of Arachnoiditis is intense pain. There is no congruous pattern of symptoms but it is according to the nerve affected and these are:-
- Tingling sensation
- Numbness
- Loss of sensation
- Shooting and stinging pain in the lower back, trunk, and limbs.
- Muscle spasm and cramping
- Worsening of pain during activity
- Imbalance in the Sexual, bladder, and bowel functions.
- Uncontrolled twitching.
What are the causes of Arachnoiditis?
The root cause of Arachnoiditis is not known but the possible causes are:-
- Mechanical injury during spinal surgery (commonest cause)
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Lumbar Puncture
- Injections like Epidural, Corticosteroids, and other medications
- Infection caused by some Bacteria or Virus
- Use of chemical dye in Myelogram
- Neoplastic changes in and around the spine.
What are the types of Arachnoiditis?
It is classified into various subtypes according to the site of inflammation involved.
- Adhesive Arachnoiditis - It is the commonest type of Arachnoiditis. Due to inflammation adhesion occurs, nerves get to stick together and produce various associated symptoms.
- Arachnoiditis Ossificans - In this type, ossification occurs and the arachnoid membrane turns into the bone.
- Cerebral Arachnoiditis - It is the inflammation of the membrane which surround the brain and causes intense headache.
- Hereditary Arachnoiditis-It is the rarest type that occurs due to a hereditary defect in the meninges.
- Neoplastic Arachnoiditis - This occurs due to neoplastic changes in the brain and spinal cord.
- Optochiasmatic Arachnoiditis - In this, the inflammation occurs behind the optic nerve leading to visual loss.
How is Arachnoiditis Diagnosed?
Due to ignorance, it is difficult to diagnose Arachnoiditis. Some Tests may include:-
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Axial Tomography (CAT)
- Electromyography (EMG)
The above tests will help in finding the level of damage that occurred to nerves and the site of inflammation.
What is the treatment of Arachnoiditis?
Treatment of Arachnoiditis is difficult as the spinal cord is a delicate organ, the minor injury will lead to nerve damage and malfunctioning of the body. As per Modern science, symptomatic management is done including Physical therapy, NSAID's for pain relief, and nerve stimulation. On the other side, Ayurvedic herbs manage the condition naturally and help in relieving the associated symptoms. The natural herbs and herbal formulations balance the tridoshas imbalance in the body and maintain the overall health of the patient.
Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is one of the leading and trusted organizations in the field of Ayurveda which are involved in the formation of medicines prepared from good quality of minerals and herbs under the supervision of Ayurvedic experts by following the strict principles of Ayurveda. These herbal formulations are free from preservatives, chemicals, dyes, and additives.
For Arachnoiditis, the following are the herbal formulations considered.
- Yograj Guggul
- Ekangvir Ras
- Ras Rajeshwar Ras
- Ashwagandha Capsules
- Brahmi Capsules
- Boswellia Curcumin
Product Description:
1. Yogarj Guggul
Yograj guggul is the safe herbal formulation that is prepared using Chitraka ( Plumbago zeylanica), Shuddh Guggul ( Commiphora Mukul), Pippali (Piper longum), etc. These herbs help in relieving the inflammation. Guggul possesses the analgesic property and is very effective in relieving cramps and muscle pain.
Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Ekangvir Ras
This herbal formulation is prepared from herbs and minerals like Shuddh Parada (Mercury), Shudh Gandhaka (sulphur), Pipali (Piper longum), etc This herbo mineral tablet helps in treating the weakness of nerves and also effective in treating paralysis.
Dosage - 1 tab twice daily after meals with plain water.
3. Rasrajeshwara Ras
This is a classical herbal formulation prepared using Dashmool herbs, Rasa Sindura (Purified and processed mercury), Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera), etc. These herbs help in balancing Vata dosha and relieve pain. It also relieves other neurological symptoms like hampered sensations of the nerves, numbness, tingling sensation, burning or shooting pain, etc.
Dosage - Take 1 tablet twice daily after meals with plain water.
4. Ashwagandha Capsule
Ashwagandha capsule is prepared using a standardized extract of Withania somnifera. In Arachnoiditis, this herbal formulation helps in relieving symptoms like numbness, tingling sensation, paralysis, uncontrolled body movements. It also helps in maintaining overall health.
Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
5. Brahmi Capsule
These are single herbal capsules prepared using a standardized extract of Bacopa monneri. In Arachnoiditis these capsules help in treating various neurological symptoms and relieves pain. It is also known as Nervine tonic. Brahmi will help in treating patients of cerebral Arachnoiditis and maintains a healthy nervous system.
Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.
6. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia curcumin is prepared using the standardized extract of two herbs Shallaki ( Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (( Curcuma longa). In arachnoiditis, it helps in relieving the inflammation and pain. These capsules reduce the various neurological symptoms associated with the nerve affected.
Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at - [email protected]or Call at 0172-521-4030 (India), +91-172-521-4030 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604.
Conclusion
Therefore we can conclude that Arachnoiditis is a rare disease and is difficult to predict how Arachnoiditis will progress in some individual. As this is a manageable condition, these herbal formulations show effective results without causing any side effects. These herbs act on the body by balancing the tridoshas and maintains the healthy nervous system. Along with Arachnoiditis, these herbs will helps in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
