Ayurvedic Treatment For MSA (Multiple System Atrophy)

ABSTRACT

Multiple system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease. Degenerative diseases affect the body’s activities such as balance, movement, breathing and heart functions. This can be genetic so sometimes it can be due to medical conditions such as alcoholism, tumor, or stroke. The various degenerative disorders such as- Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal muscular atrophy. It can be life-threatening conditions. Neural damage may cause cell death, this can be found in the brain at different levels ranging from molecular to systemic. This disease is caused by genetic mutations such as repeated CAG nucleotide triplet; this repetition of CAG causes polyglutamine. As we know neurodegenerative disease affects neurons in the human brain and is a major threat to human health. It is usually an incurable and debilitating condition where there is progessive death of nerve cells, persons suffer from ataxia, dementia and are unable to speak and breath. In this topic we are going to study its causes, symptoms and its ayurvedic management in detail.

INTRODUCTION

Multiple System Atrophy is a rare condition of the nervous system that causes gradual damage to the nerve cells in the brain, affecting body involuntary functions, blood pressure and motor control. It is known as Shy Drager Syndrome, Striatonigral degeneration. It is mainly characterized by autonomic dysfunction, rigidity, postural instability which is caused by progessive degeneration of neurons which includes several parts of the brain, basal ganglia, cerebellum. It affects about four in 100,000 people, in that this abnormal protein plays an important role in multiple system atrophy. A modified form of alpha synuclein protein affects the neurons and causes MSA. It is collectively known as parkinsonism, the abnormal protein in parkinson’s disease that plays an important role in multiple system atrophy.

TYPES OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

1. Parkinsonian – It is mostly affected with severe symptoms which are similar to Parkinson’s disease such as movement becoming slow, problems during walking, stiffness in muscles and tremors.
2. Cerebellar – In this there is a problem regarding coordination, walking and speech becomes slurred.
3. Combined – In this patients suffers from both symptoms such as of parkinsonian and cerebellar.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

MSA (multiple system atrophy) has cell loss and gliosis or there is proliferation of astrocytes in damaged nervous system, This damage usually forms a scar which is known as glial scar and there is presence of inclusion bodies which is maintaining movement, balance which are the hallmark of the multiple system atrophy. The major filament of Papp-lantos bodies , glial inclusions is alpha synuclein , mutation in this causes MSA (Multiple system atrophy). Sometimes TAU protein is found in the glial cytoplasmic inclusion body.

CAUSES OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

• It can be an inherited component or involvement of the environmental toxins in the disease.
• Deterioration and shrinkage of the portions of cerebellum, basal ganglia, brainstem which usually affects the internal body functions and motor control.
• There is the accumulation of the protein (alpha synuclein in glia) which supports the nerve cells in the brain, these deposits occur in oligodendroglia which makes myelin. These proteins accumulate in Parkinson’s disease.

SYMPTOMS OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

Multiple system atrophy affects many parts of the body, which is usually seen in the 50s and 60s. There are usually two types of multiple system atrophy – parkisnsonian and cerebellar.

1. Parkinsonian type –
• Stiff muscles
• Soft voice
• Tremors can occur at rest or when there is movement in arms and legs
• Difficulty in bending of arms and legs
2. Cerebellar type –
• Difficulty swallowing
• Change in speech such as slurred speech
• Dysarthria
• Visual disturbances

GENERAL SIGNS / SYMPTOMS OF MSA

Multiple system atrophy is autonomic failure which causes problems in the body where functions can’t be controlled.

• Postural hypotension – Due to low blood pressure one can feel dizzy.
• Urinary and bowel dysfunction – Constipation and incontinence.
• Changes in sweat production – Less sweat, heat intolerance due to reduced sweating.
• Sleep disorders – stridor, agitated sleep.
• Sexual dysfunction – Loss of libido, impotence.
• Cardiovascular problems – Changing in color of hands and feets.
• Psychiatric problems – Difficulty in controlling emotions.
• Pisa syndrome (abnormal posture)
• Contractures in hands and limbs
• Antecollis (bending of neck forwards)

COMPLICATIONS OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

• Breathing problem
• Loss of ability in day to day activities
• Increased difficulty in swallowing
• Injuries due to poor balancing
• Vocal cord paralysis

DIAGNOSIS OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

• MRI
• CT Scan

MANAGEMENT OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

• Medications to raise blood pressure – Corticosteroids and other medications increase blood pressure and help the body to retain more salt and water.
• Medications to reduce parkinson’s disease – Levodopa reduces parkinson’s disease.
• Impotence drugs – These drugs can also lower down the blood pressure.
• Rehabilitation – It includes physiotherapist, psychiatrists for helping with movements, daily tasks. Physiotherapists maintain patients’ mobility and help to prevent contracture. Speech therapists assist in assessing, treating and in swallowing.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

Multiple system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disorder which is usually occurring due to imbalance in vata doshas, Vata dosha is the prime driving force behind all body activities. It is the tantra which runs the whole body, and disturbs the whole body. Vata doshas get aggravated and fill up in the empty channels of the body causing ekanga and sarvanga diseases. Excessive fat deposited all over the body produces margavrodha of vata, prakupita vata due to which margavrodha starts to circulate in the body which travels to joints and produces vatavyadhi.

CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

• Dry foods
• Excessive bleeding
• Grief, stress
• Injury to marmas, fractures
• Excessive administration of panchakarma
• Excessive consumption of cold foods and activities
• Undigested food in circulations

PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

• Stiffness of the interphalangeal joints
• Swelling of body parts
• Dwarfness
• Pulsation
• Sleeplessness
• Destruction of sperms, semen causes infertility
• Pricking type of pain
• Convulsions
• Tremors
• Scanty menstruation
• Tiredness
• Discomfort, pain

TREATMENT OF MSA (MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY)

• Snehan (oleation with medicated ghee, oil)
• Sweden (sudation)
• Amla bhojan
• Mardana (trapping the body with fists and application of vata oils.
• Seka
• Ushana bhojana oils and ghee which is processed with deepana and pachana drugs.

HERBS USEFUL FOR MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY

1. VASA – Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) is a powerful herb used in the treatment of bronchitis and in excess mucous condition. Vasa balances kapha and pitta doshas. It is useful in bleeding disorders, jaundice and in many liver diseases. Vasa is useful in detoxifying blood, chronic respiratory tract infections. It has anti inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin protective properties.
2. GOKSHURA – Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is used for body building and helps to relieve the uro genital system and act as an aphrodisiac. It has diuretic activity which helps to clean the urinary system, and lithotriptic activity. It increases libido in both men and women hence improves sperm production and ovulation.
3. ASHWAGANDHA – Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a useful drug for anxiety, leucoderma, immunity and muscle strength. It is a very good antioxidant drug which reduces blood pressure hence useful in cardiac heath. It helps to improve tissue depletion and promotes strength and provides improvement of body growth.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY

Planet Ayurveda is an herbal pharmaceutical company that deals with the production of many herbal remedies used for treating numerous ailments. All the medicines prepared are of best quality and are free from preservatives, resins, any other synthetic material. These formulations prepared by planet ayurveda are made under strict guidance of M.D experts and under regulations of the ayurveda board. For this disease, ayurveda formulated herbal remedies which will provide relief without causing any side effects.

PRODUCTS LIST

1. BRAHMI CAPSULES
2. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
3. PITTA BALANCES
4. MUSLI STRENGTH
5. GOTU KOLA CAPSULES
6. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Brahmi Capsule

Brahmi capsules are single herbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi capsules are used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions, digestive problems, and postnatal depression. These capsules act as a blood purifier, improves circulation and strengthens the capillaries. It is also helpful in impotence, irregular menstruation, and premature ejaculation. The benefits of these capsules as it increases the ability to solve the problems and prevent stress.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules are single herbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using standardized extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is useful in debilitating conditions, stress, nervous breakdown, calms down the system and enhances physical strength and builds up stamina. It is useful in muscle fatigue and in arthritis of all types. Maintain the blood pressure and help in weakness caused due to diabetes. It is useful in gynecological disorders, nervous system disorders and provides great benefits.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Pitta Balance

They are polyherbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Jahar Mohra Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound), Giloy Satva (Tinospora cordifolia), Akik Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound) and many more. It is a natural compound to restore the imbalanced pitta quickly, helps in leg cramps, improves bone marrow density, and fights irritability. It is rich in calcium so helpful in females during menopause.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Musli Strength

They are poly herbal capsules formulated by plant ayurveda using ingredients such as Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). It is helpful in strengthening the body and bone, uplifts the reproductive system. Musli strength increases the quality and quantity of sperm. These capsules are helpful in maintaining a healthy digestive system and liver in all ages.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules once or twice daily.

5. Gotu Kola Capsules

They are single herbal capsules, formulated by planet ayurveda using standardized extract of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica). These capsules help to balance tridoshas, helpful in cardiovascular disease, and maintain the blood pressure. It maintains edematous swelling in the feet, hence improves the whole circulation in the body, manages the cardiac muscle tone and copes up weakness.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat vatchintamani ras is classical ayurvedic tablet formulation prepared by planet ayurveda using ingredients such as Swarna Bhasma (Calx of Gold), Rajata Bhasma (Calx of Silver), Pravala Bhasma (Calx of Pearl) and many more. It is useful in vata doshas imbalance disease such as in hemiplegia, tremors, paralysis. It is also helpful in pitta doshas such as in migraine, vertigo and many more.

Dosage: 1 tab twice daily with plain water after meals.

CONCLUSION

Multiple system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disease. Degenerative diseases affect the body’s activities such as balance, movement, breathing and heart functions. Multiple system atrophy is a neurodegenerative disorder which is usually occurring due to imbalance in vata doshas, Vata dosha is the prime driving force behind all body activities. For this disease, Planet Ayurveda provided herbal remedies which are effective in this disease without causing any side effects.