ABSTRACT
Encephalomalacia in basic words can be defined as a condition of softening of the brain or loss of brain tissues due to various reasons that can be cerebral ischemia, craniocerebral trauma or any other kind of trauma to the brain. In this condition the injury to the brain affects the neurons in the white and grey matter. It can also include some other parts of the brain like occipital lobe, frontal lobe, temporal lobe or parietal lobe, that ultimately alters the motor and sensory functions of the body. Encephalomalacia is a chronic condition that occurs when brain tissue softens. It is also known as Cerebral softening or Cerebromalacia. Encephalomalacia can occur in any part of the brain after trauma. Modern Science considers Encephalomalacia as an incurable disease as tissues of the human brain are degenerative in nature. However underlying causes can be treated to avoid any further irreversible damages. However in both modern Science and in Ayurveda there are not any treatments specific to this condition but symptomatic treatment can be done to subside and to avoid further damage to the brain tissues.
INTRODUCTION
The softening of the brain tissue of the loss of it can be termed as encephalomalacia or can be called as Cerebral softening or Cerebromalacia too. This softening or damage to the tissues of the brain can be caused by trauma or due to any other associated disease. This condition starts at one part of the brain and later on affects the other part also. This condition is attained due to inflammation or bleeding in the brain. As a result of all these the system of the body dysfunctions. This condition can occur in any age group but if this condition attacks children or infants it can be fatal. The symptoms of Encephalomalacia vary from patient to patient according to the part of the brain affected but in any of it immediate treatment is a must as delay in the treatment can lead to the patient landing in coma or even can cause death. In the most severe cases even surgery may be done to remove the damaged tissues. This softening of the brain can be classified into 3 sub categories that are Red softening, white softening and yellow softening. Following are the description of these types -
- Red Softening - in this type of softening the tissues in the brain turns red in colour due to presence of blood in the area. It can be seen in patients of hemorrhagic stroke.
- White Softening - in this type the brain tissues turns white in colour due to absence of supply of blood in that area. This area can look white or yellow in colour and indicates brain cell damage.
- Yellow Softening - this type of softening is usually seen in patients of trauma. Yellowish colour occurs due to formation of plaques in the arteries of the brain.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ENCEPHALOMALACIA
- Temporary or permanent vision loss that can lead to Blindness too
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
- Vertigo
- Disturbed sleep
- Mood swings (when frontal lobe is affected)
- Seizures
- Altered coordination
- Extreme drowsiness
- Tremors
- Difficulty in movement
- Changed behaviour
- Lost concentration
- Weakness of the muscles
DIAGNOSIS
- Physical examination
- CT (Computerised Tomography) Scan can be done to check the volume of fluid loss or soft tissue damage of the brain.
- EEG (Electroencephalography) to measure the electrical activity of the brain.
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Urine test
- Spinal fluid Test
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) can be done to check for changes in any part of the brain.
TREATMENT
There is no specific or direct treatment for curing this disease. However the treatment to the underlying causes can be done and is usually performed.
- Stem cell Therapy can be done.
- Removal of the brain tissue by surgical procedure can also be performed in severe cases.
However there are not any specific treatments for the cure of these diseases as brain tissues are considered to be non regenerative that means once it is damaged it can not be generated again.
COMPLICATIONS OF ENCEPHALOMALACIA
As this is a serious disease but it can turn even more severe if immediate treatment is not given to the patient. Complications can be
- Seizures
- Functional disability
- The patient can land to coma
- Death
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF ENCEPHALOMALACIA
As mentioned above this condition is not reversible but to avoid any further complications supportive treatment is given by Acharyas of Ayurveda. Ayurveda considers this disease to be due to vitiation of all the three sharirik doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha). Acharyas also considered this to be Abhighataja that means due to external trauma by wood, any weapon or anything that can cause damage to the head from outside or due to Raktavah sroto dushti (contamination of the Raktavah Strotas).
CAUSES
- Excessive intake of food that are hot in potency
- Excessive exposure to heat (excessive sunbath)
- Excessive Intake of food in liquid form
LAKSHANAS OF SYMPTOMS
CHIKITA
- Upvasa (Fasting)
- Shodhana chikitsa like vamana (therapeutic emesis), virechana (induced purgation) and nasya (dropping medicated fluid to nostrils)
- Shamana chikitsa - shamana chikitsa includes intake of several pishtis like praval pishti and various others.
- Shero dhara can be done
- Raktamokshan can be done in some cases
- Intake of medhya dravyas like brahmi and others.
Several lifestyle changes can be taken, that includes
- Taking bath with cold water
- Sitting in place where cold breeze blows
- Sitting under night sky
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ENCEPHALOMALACIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is an established and GMP certified brand that manufactures herbal supplements.Planet Ayurveda is dedicated to bring the benefits of natural herbs to mankind that cures diseases without causing any ill effect to the patient.This company exports their products worldwide like to the USA, Europe, Africa and many other countries. The products manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are completely herbal with no added preservatives or any adulterants. All the products by Planet Ayurveda are manufactured following the ancient Ayurvedic texts under the guidance and supervision of experts of Ayurveda. They have plenty of medicines for various diseases. Listed are few medicines that improve conditions caused by Encephalomalacia
Product List
- Gotu kola Capsules
- Brahmi Capsules
- Ashwagandha Ghan Vati
- Curcumin 95% Capsules
- Telo - Extension Capsules
- Swarn Vasant Malti Ras
Product Description
1. Gotu kola Capsules
Gotu kola Capsules by Planet Ayurveda supports healthy blood circulation that ultimately provides better supply to the brain and helps in conditions like that of Encephalomalacia. This herbal combination by Planet Ayurveda consists of a single herbal drug Gotu kola ( Centella asiatica) better known as Mandukparni balances the kapha dosha, it also manages the neurological system and also improves nerve conduction. This single herb is also considered to be a medhya drug that improves intelligence.
Dosage - Take 1-2 Capsules twice a day with plain water after each meal.
2. Brahmi Capsule
These capsules by Planet Ayurveda are made of standardised extract of Brahmi ( Bacopa monnieri), this drug by being a cognitive enhancer helps in symptoms caused in Encephalomalacia. This drug Brahmi also protects the brain from ischemic attacks. It also works as an anticonvulsant that is helpful in seizures too. Brahmi is also among the medhya aushadhis that helps in boosting brain strength. Brahmi by being a Rasayana also considered as a drug that increases lifespan,
Dosage - Take 1-2 Capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.
3. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati
Ashwagandha ghan vati in the form of tablets has the goodness of a single drug Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera)is known especially for its good effect on the neurological system of the body. That means it has good effects on the brain and nervous system. It also regulates the immune system of the body and shows results in insomnia, and is also beneficial for fatigue.
Dosage - Take 1-2 tablets twice or thrice a day with lukewarm water.
4. Curcumin 95% Capsules
Curcumin 95% Capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a single herb capsule that is Haridra ( Curcuma longa). This herbal drug is considered to be a pacifier to vata and kapha dosha. It has antibiotic, antioxidant and a lot other properties beneficial for patients suffering from this condition.
Dosage - Take 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.
6. Telo - Extension Capsules
These capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a multi herbal capsule that is made up of goodness of Amla (Emblica officinalis), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) and a lot more herbal drugs. These herbal drugs pacify all the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These drugs also act as hemostatic and diuretic. These also pacify conditions like fever and help to maintain good neurological health. The combination of all the drugs used also works as an antioxidant.
Dosage - Take 2 capsules twice a day with plain water.
7. Swarn Vasant Malti Ras
Swarn Vasant Malti Ras in form of tablets by Planet Ayurveda has Swarn bhasma (calx of gold), mukta bhasma (calx of perl), shuddh gandhaka (purified sulphur) and various other drugs that pacifies vata and kapha dosha. It acts as an immunostimulant and also plays a great role in better circulation that leads to better circulation to the brain and manages this condition also along with a lot other properties like good digestion etc.
Dosage - Take 1 tablet twice a day with honey or butter or with pippali churna.
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at - [email protected] or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.
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CONCLUSION
Hence we can conclude that this severe disease known as Encephalomalacia means loss or softening of the brain. It harms or better to say damages the tissues of the brain. This condition is considered to be severe as brain tissues are degenerative in nature that means if once the damage is caused to the tissues of the brain it can not be reserved. Ayurveda in this severe condition also has some supportive management that manages the damage caused. So by following all the ancient Ayurveda scriptures the experts of Ayurveda by Planet Ayurveda have formulated several herbal medicinal drugs which are completely herbal and free from any adulterants or any fillers to be used as a supportive treatment to this condition without any further ill effects.
