ABSTRACT
Tick borne encephalitis is a viral disease which spreads through bites of infected ticks. This infection can spread through infected food items like milk, cheese, etc. TBE viruses are more active during hot seasons like from April to October. These viruses are mostly found in the regions of Europe and Asia. Most of the people infected from this tick virus usually do not have any symptoms. Initially, symptoms are like cold and flu but later on it may worsen the condition. The incubation period is usually from one to two weeks but it may be up to one month. Sometimes initially symptoms resolve themselves but after some time one or two weeks severe symptoms may appear. Although it is a rare condition, it has become common in Sweden, China and European countries. This disorder is more common in adults as compared to children. According to the world health organization around 10,000 cases are seen all over the world. In this article we will discuss tick borne encephalitis, its cause, symptoms, diagnosis and its management according to classical Ayurveda texts.
INTRODUCTION
Tick borne encephalitis is a disorder which affects the central nervous system caused by Tick Borne Virus (TBV). This viral disease can be transmitted through unpasteurized dairy products. In the early stage there is fever, loss of appetite, body aches, etc. Later on there will be swelling in the brain and spinal cord which leads to disturbance in brain functions like confusion, memory loss, etc. Some experience persistent impairment of motor skills and sensory functions. Tick borne encephalitis can be easily prevented by already having vaccination but if you get infected symptomatic treatment or hospital care may be done. It is usually diagnosed by testing immunoglobulins antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and other blood investigations. Sometimes these investigations may be insignificant which can be confirmed by microbiological findings. Clinical aspects of this disease may range from meningitis to severe encephalitis which might include paralysis. With the increase in tourism TBE is becoming a problem outside endemic regions. The primary reservoir and host of this virus are small rodents and humans play an accidental role. There is no direct transmission of this disorder from person to person.
CAUSES
The reason behind tick borne encephalitis are as given below
- Tick borne encephalitis is caused by TEV (Tick encephalitis virus). It is a spherical lipid-covered RNA virus member of flavi virus genus.
- Consumption of unpasteurized milk/ dairy products
- Infected goat, sheep and cows.
- Outdoor activities
- Lining in forest areas
- Frequent hiking or camping
SYMPTOMS
Majority of infections of tick virus are asymptomatic so can remain undiagnosed. Initially people will have normally sick feelings, but with time some major symptoms may appear. Some of the sign and symptoms of Tick Borne Encephalitis are as following
Initial symptoms
Later symptoms
- Confusion
- Delirium
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty in speaking
- Weakness in arms and legs
- Muscle weakness
- Neck and back stiffness
- Hearing issue
- Memory loss
- Seizures
- Paralysis
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnostic measures for tick borne encephalitis are as follows
- Through sign and symptoms
- In Ayurveda darshan, prashan and sparshan is done.
- Travel history
- History of exposure to ticks
- Blood investigations- CBC
- TBE virus test
- Testing IgG antibody
- Testing IgM antibody
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction)
- MRI, CT scans
- ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay)
MANAGEMENT
Although this disease is prevented by vaccination but some of the preventive measures are given as following
- Rest
- Fluid / electrolyte balance
- Analgesics
- TBE vaccination
- Antipyretics
- Antiemetics
- Breathing management- oxygen, intubation, inhalers, etc.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Some measures to prevent from tick borne encephalitis are as given following
- Maintain good hygiene
- Do Not share utensils
- Use insecticides
- Have mosquito repellents at home
- Exercise regularly
- Wear appropriate clothing
AYURVEDIC POINT OF VIEW ABOUT TICK BORNE ENCEPHALITIS
According to classical Ayurveda texts, tick borne encephalitis is a tridosha (vata, pitta and kapha) disorder but mainly there is predominance of vata and pitta dosha. Based on signs and symptoms there is a primary appearance of fever so tick borne encephalitis can be correlated to "aagantuk jawar" (fever due to some external cause). According to Acharya Charka there are eight types of jawar (fever- vataj, pitaj, kaphaj, saniptaj, dwandaj and aagantuk).
Further, Agantuk jawar is classified into four types
- Abhighat jawar (due to foreign body
- Abhishang jawar (due to anger, fear)
- Abhichar jawar (due to disrespecting elders)
- Abhishap jawar (disobey spirituality)
Some of symptoms mentioned in Ayurveda are as following
- Jawar (fever)
- Peda (pain)
- Shoth (inflammation)
- Raktstrav (bleeding tendency)
- Chardi-Atisaar (vomiting-diarrhea)
- Murcha (fainting)
- Shir shool (headache)
- Kampan (tremors)
- Udvega (anxiety)
- Pralap (delirium)
Treatment according to classics
- Fasting (langhan)
- Induced vomiting, purgation (Vaman,virechan)
- Bloodletting (raktamokshan)
- Consoling patient (aashwasan)
- Vata and pitta nashak chikitsa
DIETARY TIPS FOR TBE
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR TICK BORNE ENCEPHALITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is a large manufacturing unit spread throughout the world. It produces all natural and herbal products as it is GMP and ISO certified. All the products manufactured here are free from all chemicals, sugar, yeast, color and any artificial preservatives. Herbal medicines prepared here are according to classical Ayurvedic texts and under expert's supervision. The best combination of drugs for Tick Borne Encephalitis by Planet Ayurveda are as following
Product List
- Neurogenie Capsules
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Tulsi Capsules
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. Neurogenie capsules
It is a capsule formulation prepared from extract of brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It helps to nourish nerves and gain muscle strength. These capsules are very potent in all neurological conditions and stimulate all organs to function properly. It basically works on all doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) but predominantly it corrects vitiated vata dosha. It is also helpful in conditions like stress, confusion, anxiety, etc.
Dosage- Two capsules twice daily after meals with plain water. (One capsule twice in children)
2. Boswellia curcumin
It is a capsule formulation prepared from extract of shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). These capsules have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It corrects all metabolic syndrome and helps as a muscle relaxant. It helps to cure from common flu like symptoms, cough, fever and other body pain and brain inflammation, edema.
Dosage- Two capsules twice daily after meals with plain water. (One capsule twice in children)
3. Tulsi capsules
It is capsule preparation prepared from extract of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum). It has antimicrobial activity including antiviral, bacterial, fungal activities. It also acts as chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. These capsules act as a natural immunity booster and reduce fever, cough and pain.
Dosage- Two capsules twice daily after meals with plain water. (One capsule twice in children)
4. Manjishtha capsules
It is a capsule formulation prepared from extract of manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). Due to its astringent and bitter nature it balances kapha and pitta dosha but mainly acts on predominant pitta dosha. These capsules act as blood purifiers and have anti platelet, anti stress properties.
Dosage- Two capsules twice daily after meals with plain water. (One capsule twice in children)
5. Ashwagandha capsules
It is a single herb capsule formulation prepared from extract of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It helps in sustaining all neurological conditions and has a rejuvenating property. This herb balances all tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) but mainly pacifies vitiated vata and kapha dosha. It affects digestion, good brain and neurological health. It helps to resist all physical, mental stress and builds a strong immune system.
Dosage- One capsule twice daily after meals with plain water. (Same in children)
CONCLUSION
So as we discussed above, tick borne encephalitis is a viral disease which affects the central nervous system. Firstly, this encephalitis virus affects the immune system and then attacks the brain. Planet Ayurveda provides the best herbal and natural products which are beneficial in tick borne encephalitis. The drugs manufactured here are pure and beneficial.
