Ayurvedic Treatment For Stiff Person Syndrome with Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Stiff person syndrome is an acquired rare neurological disorder which is presented by the progressive stiffness in the muscles and repetitive frequent episodes of painful spasms in the muscles. SPS or stiff person syndrome is also characterized by muscle rigidity which often becomes worse and improves on its own along with the muscular spasms. These spasms can occur randomly on its own or sometimes can be triggered by certain factors like light physical contact or sudden noise. Usually there are no other signs and symptoms in most of the cases of SPS. Progression and severity of the disorder may vary from person to person. SPS can be a crippling disorder if left untreated which can progress and cause difficulty in walking and performing daily activities. In this article you can read all about the SPS and its Ayurvedic management and treatment.

INTRODUCTION TO STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

Stiff person syndrome or SPS is a neurological disorder which is rare in occurrence and autoimmune in nature. This disorder affects the brain and spinal cord, i.e. the central nervous system of the person causing the signs and symptoms. Initially the affected person experiences trunk muscle stiffness followed by gradual development of rigidity and stiffness of muscles in the legs and other parts of the body. Moersch-Woltman syndrome is another name of SPS which is characterized by painful spasms of muscles. These muscle spasms can be sometimes random and other times due to certain triggering factors like emotional distress and even slight physical touch. If not treated timely SPS can cause altered posture of the affected person and also affect the ability to move or walk.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

Stiff person syndrome or SPS is an autoimmune disease and as per Ayurveda autoimmune diseases are caused due to formation and accumulation of ama dosha in the body. This ama is an endotoxin which deposits on the healthy tissues and our body’s immune system recognizes it as a foreign substance and antibodies attack it, harming the healthy cells of the body.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

Signs and symptoms of SPS can develop gradually over time and a person cannot even notice them for several months or in other cases the symptoms may develop suddenly and worsen over time. The common signs and symptoms of SPS are:

• Stiffness and pain in muscles of trunk and abdomen
• Aching discomfort in muscles
• Initially this stiffness appear and disappear on its own and later on there remains constant stiffness in the muscles
• Gradually leg muscles and other muscles of the body also become stiff, including face muscles
• Stiffness worsens, making it difficult to walk or even move
• Spasms in the muscles occur which can be sometime so severe that can break or dislocate a bone
• These spasms can be triggered by slight physical contact, unexpected noise or loud noise, stressful events or cold environments.

CAUSES OF STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

The exact cause of SPS is not known. However it is considered to be an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system of one’s own body attacks the tissues and healthy cells and destroys them. In many people with SPS certain antibodies are found which attack glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) which is an enzyme that plays an important role in making a neurotransmitter that helps in controlling muscle movements. In people with SPS when antibodies attack GAD, it results in decrease in the amount of this neurotransmitter in the body.

DIAGNOSIS OF STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

There are many other similar symptoms presenting ailments like muscular dystrophies, tetanus and multiple sclerosis, hence it is quite difficult to diagnose SPS. However, in clinical history if your doctor suspects SPS, they will recommend certain blood tests, Electromyography, and spinal tap which helps in confirmation of the SPS.

TREATMENT OF STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

Conventionally the treatment of Stiff Person Syndrome is given on the basis of symptoms. Medicines like diazepam, clonazepam or baclofen are given for muscle spasms and stiffness. Certain anti seizure drugs, anti inflammatory and corticosteroids are also given. However all of these drugs have their own long term side effects.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR STIFF PERSON SYNDROME

Ayurveda treatment is given to eradicate the root cause, i.e. ama dosha from the body and treat the symptoms completely. This is done with the help of herbal and natural compound based remedies that eliminate the ama and prevent its further formation and deposition in the body.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a very well known herbal pharmaceutical company that manufactures herbal and natural remedies and products. These products and remedies are purely vegetarian and free from any kind of chemicals, preservatives, additives, dye, fillers or colors. For SPS Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies called Stiff-Man care pack.

STIFF MAN CARE PACK

1. Boswellia Curcumin
2. Hakam Churna
3. Brahmi Capsules
4. Ashwagandha Capsules
5. Kaishore Guggul

Products Description

1. Boswellia Curcumin

These herbal capsules are composed of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). Boswellia curcumin capsules help in relieving the pain and stiffness in muscles and also treat inflamed tissues.

Dosage– Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Hakam Churna

Hakam churna is prepared using different herbs like Kalonji (Nigella sativa), Chandrashoor (Lepidium sativum), Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) and Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum). This herbal formulation helps in balancing the vata dosha and relieves the stiffness and spasms of the muscles.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Brahmi Capsules

These are the capsules prepared using single herb, i.e. Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi). Brahmi capsules help in treating all kind of neuromuscular disorders. It helps in maintaining healthy coordination of muscles and brain.

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

4. Ashwagandha Capsule

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is used in the standardized form to prepare these single herb capsules. It gives strength to the body and helps in relieving spasms and pain in the muscles.

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

5. Kaishore Guggul

Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Long pepper (Piper longum), Indian jalap (Ipomoea turpetheum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Red physic nut (Baliospermum montanum), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) are used in Kaishore guggul. Kaishore guggul helps in eliminating the toxins from the body and eventually relieves the infection.

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

CONCLUSION

Stiff person syndrome can be treated and managed with the help of above mentioned herbal remedies of Planet Ayurveda. If neglected, this disorder can make a person even difficult to walk. Hence early diagnosis and proper treatment is necessary. For more details of our products check out our website www.planetayurveda.com and for queries you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com.