Myasthenia Gravis Ayurvedic Treatment

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disorder that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which are the muscles your body uses for movement. It occurs when communication between nerve cells and muscles becomes impaired. The  word  is  from the  Greek  mys "muscle" and  astheneia  "weakness", and  the  Latin:  gravis  "serious”.

An autoimmune neuromuscular disorder resulting in weakness and fatigability of skeletal muscles, usually due to auto antibodies directed against acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Myasthenia results from dysfunction of the neuromuscular synapse (i.e., the neuromuscular junction [NMJ]), causing clinical “fatigue,” which is defined as muscle weakness that worsens with muscle use and improves with rest.

The characteristic feature of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after rest. Certain muscles such as those that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expressions, chewing, talking, and swallowing are often, but not always, involved in the disorder. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements may also be affected.

Myasthenia gravis is caused by a defect in the transmission of nerve impulses to the muscles. It occurs when there is an interruption in transmission of neuro chemical impulses between the nerve and muscle, at the neuromuscular junction (the place where nerve cells connect with the muscles).

Symptoms

• Trouble talking
• Problems walking up stairs or lifting objects
• Facial paralysis
• Difficulty breathing due to muscle weakness
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Fatigue
• Hoarse voice
• Drooping of eyelids
• Double vision
• Speaking: Speech may become soft or nasal.
• Facial expressions: A different or unusual smile may develop if certain facial muscles are affected.

Diagnosis

• A special blood test can detect the presence of immune molecules or acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Most patients with myasthenia gravis have abnormally elevated levels of these antibodies. However, antibodies may not be detected in patients with only ocular forms of the disease.
• Single fibre electromyography(EMG), helps in identifying a lack of transmission of impulses from nerve to the muscle. Computed tomography (CT) may be used to identify an abnormal thymus gland or the presence of a thymoma, which is another cause for myasthenia gravis.

Ayurvedic Perspective

There is no direct reference of the disease similar to MG in Ayurvedic texts but based on Nidana, Roopa, Upashaya, and Anupashaya, a probable diagnosis can be made and treated accordingly. Acharya Charaka in Maharog adhyaya enumerated several Vataja varieties of diseases. These are called as Atmaroopas of Vata. Even when these inherent properties are manifested partially, these are diagnosed and treated as the disorders of Vata only. For example, Sramsa(looseness), Bhramsa (dislocation), Vyasa(expansion/division), Sanga(obstruction), Bheda(separation), Sada(general Malaise/depression), Kampa(tremors), Toda(piercing pain), Shosha(wasting), Shoola(colic pain), Supti(numbness), Sankocha(contractions), Sthambha (stiffness). Among them many of the symptoms can be observed in patients of Myasthenia Grvais[MG].

Treatment

• Abhyanga and Swedana can be done to combat Vata dosha.
• Marsha Nasya was given with Anu taila.
• The combinations of Bhasma like Swarna, Abhraka, Pravala, Kamadugha, Amrita satwa are highly Balya and Bramhana in nature which improve the Dhatwagni and corrects the tissue malfunctioning.
• Shira Shuladi Vajra Rasa balances the Tridosha. It is a Herbomineral-Ayurvedic medicine indicated in treatment of Shiroroga(disease of head) and Urdhwajatrugata rogas of where there is Avarana Of Vata by Kapha.
• Ashwagandha can be used in people having generalised weakness.