AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF LIMB GIRDLE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY-A CASE REPORT

Limb–girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are muscular dystrophies that affect skeletal muscles, mostly proximal (hips and shoulder muscles). They are caused by a mutation in a gene encoding a protein, which is specific to each subtype. LGMD inheritance is autosomal. This is in contrast to Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophies, which are caused by a mutation in the DMD gene located on the X chromosome. Some LGMD forms are dominant, and others are recessive. The available management of LGMD in biomedicine is unsatisfactory. Here we present a case of LGMD managed with combinations of Ayurvedic oral medicines and Panchakarma procedures. The Ayurvedic diagnosis of the condition was considered as Mansagata Vata (~neuromuscular diseases), a type of Vatavyadhi (~neuromusculo skeleton disorders). The patient was treated with Shashtikashali Pinda Swedana and Matra Basti for the duration of 16 days along with following Ayurvedic oral medicines: Brihatvata Chintamani, Balarishta, Ajamamsa rasayana with milk, Neurocare drops with milk, Cap. Ksheerabala with milk, Syp. Navashwagandha. Patient's condition was assessed for symptoms of walking distance, power and reflexes of both upper and lower limbs. There was symptomatic improvement in the patient's condition. The study suggests that LGMD can be satisfactorily managed though not cured with Ayurvedic oral medicines and Panchakarma therapy. Keywords: Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, Vatavyadhi. Mamsagata vata, Panchakarma therapy