Ayurvedic Concept Of Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy

Abstract

Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy is also known by another name Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. It is an inherited disease which is progressive in nature that causes weakness and numbness of the nerves mostly felt in the legs and then in the arms. Nerve cells parts get deteriorated in Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy (HMSN). As the nerves are damaged the impulses are no longer sent normally causing weakness of hands and feet muscles causing abnormal functioning of the limbs. In this article you will get all the details of the HMSN and its Ayurvedic management.

Introduction

Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy (HMSN) belongs to a group of disorders that is presented by degeneration of nerves of feet and hands. This disorder of the nervous system comes under neurodegenerative disorders that progresses slowly and mainly affects the sensory nerves. This causes loss of sensation in feet and hands. Functioning of the sensory nerves which controls the pain, touch and temperature along with the autonomic nervous system which controls the automatic body processes and other involuntary functions becomes abnormal leading to this sensory loss. Other symptoms of the disorder can vary from person to person. HMSN is an autosomal dominant disorder caused due to certain genetic mutations. There are many variations of this disorder which are caused due to mutations in different genes.

Ayurvedic Concept Of Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy

The three doshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are considered to be functional energies in Ayurveda and deviation in their balance causes diseases. In case of HMSN Vata dosha is predominantly vitiated causing signs and symptoms. Vata can be vitiated due to an imbalanced diet or improper lifestyle and in case of HMSN as it is genetic disorder hence the dosha imbalance is present since birth.

Signs And Symptoms Of Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy

The signs and symptoms can be highly variable and different even among the members of the same family. However some of the marked signs and symptoms of HMSN are:

• Polyneuropathy as different nerves are involved from the body and causing abnormalities in movement and sensory functions
• Distal sensory progressive loss
• Weakness in ankles, legs and feet
• Foot arches are higher than normal
• Muscle bulk is lost in feet and legs
• Foot Drop, i.e. difficulty in lifting the foot at ankle
• Hammertoes, i.e. curled toes
• Ability to run is decreased
• Higher than normal or awkward step or gait
• Burning and tingling sensations hands and feet causing pain sometimes or mostly only mild discomfort
• Ability to sense temperature changes and sense of touch is almost lost or diminished

Causes Of Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy

Charcot-Marie-Tooth or HMSN is a genetically inherited condition. It is caused due to genetic mutations in certain genes which affects nerves in the legs, feet, hands and arms of the patient. These mutations sometimes cause damage to the nerves and other times can damage the protective covering of the nerves which surrounds them, i.e. myelin sheath.

Diagnosis of the hereditary motor sensory neuropathy

Your doctor will take the complete medical history which includes complaints and all the history of the illness along with a physical examination which can arouse suspicion of the condition (HMSN). However the confirmation of the diagnosis was done by nerve biopsy which is a minor surgical procedure. A peripheral nerve sample is taken from the leg for testing which will reveal the characteristic changes in the shape of the nerve under microscope.

Treatment Of Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy

Conventionally HMSN or CMT is considered to be an incurable condition and certain therapies like occupational therapy, physical therapy and orthopedic devices are used for the management. In certain cases even orthopedic surgery is considered to cope with the severe symptoms of the condition.

Ayurvedic Treatment Of Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy

As the HMSN is caused due to vitiation of Vata dosha, hence the Ayurvedic treatment focuses on restoring the balance of the dosha with the help of natural, herbal and Ayurvedic medicines.

Herbal Remedies For Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy

Planet Ayurveda needs no introduction as it is much renowned for its herbal and Ayurvedic formulations that are prepared using authentic and pure herbs and other natural components. These herbal remedies are free from any kind of chemicals, preservatives, dye, fillers, colors, yeast etc. Also several procedures are done for the standardization of the products which make them more effective than other similar products present in the market. For HMSN Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies.

Products List

1. Ashwagandha Ghan Vati
2. Atirasadi Churna
3. Kumari Saar
4. Tribulus Power
5. Musli Strength
6. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
7. Neurogenie Capsules

Products Description

1. Ashwagandhaghan Vati

Ashwagandhaghan vati is formulated using extract of single herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herbal tablet provides strength to the muscles and also helps in good coordination between muscles. It helps in maintaining the balance of the doshas and provides energy to the whole body.

Dosage: Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Atirasadi Churna

Herbs like Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Semal musli (Salmalia malabarica), Safed behmen (Centaurea behmen), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Varahi kand (Dioscorea tuberosa), Kesar (Crocus sativus) etc are used in the preparation of Atirasadi churna. In HMSN it can help in treating the weakness or debility or hands and feet, and also provide strength to the whole body.

Dosage: Take 1 teaspoon twice daily with warm milk after meals.

3. Kumari Saar

It is a pure aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) juice that does not contain any kind of artificial color or flavors. Kumari saar helps in balancing all the three doshas and also is full of medicinal properties like maintaining digestive and skin health.

Dosage: Take 3 teaspoon daily once with equal amount of water.

4. Tribulus Power

Tribulus power are the single herb capsules formulated using standardized extract of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). These herbal capsules provide strength to muscles and help in treating weakness of feet and hands caused by degeneration of nerves.

Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

5. Musli Strength

These capsules are the combination of extract of Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) are used in the preparation of Musli strength capsules. As the name indicates these capsules help in providing muscle strength, and removes weakness of extremities.

Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

6. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

This Ayurvedic combination is prepared from various bhasmas like Loh bhasma, Swarna bhasma, Rajata bhasma, etc. According to Ayurveda neurological disorders are caused predominantly due to imbalance of Vata dosha and these tablets help in restoring the balance of Vata dosha, hence treating the ailment from root cause.

Dosage: Take 1 pill twice daily after meals with plain water.

7. Neurogenie Capsule

This herbal formulation is prepared using two amazing herbs, i.e. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Neurogenie capsules help in treating neurological complaints like sensory loss and numbness.

Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

Conclusion

Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy is a complex neurodegenerative disorder which can be treated and managed well with the help of Planet Ayurveda’s herbal remedies.