Ayurvedic Management on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Study

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a progressive condition characterized by degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. The term Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is used synonymously with MND. ALS with multifocal onset might exhibit muscle stiffness and muscle weakness of upper and lower limbs, muscle twitching, atrophy, falling/tripping, slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing and loss of dexterity. In Ayurvedic context Kaphavruta vata udana can be corelated with ALS. A 40-year-old male individual diagnosed with ALS, was admitted thrice to our hospital in the month of June 2022, January 2024 and October 2024 for a period of 10, 8 & 7 days respectively and is under regular follow up. The subject was managed with Sarvanga udvartana, Sarvanga abhyanga followed by sarvanga dhara, Shastika shali pinda sweda, Ksheeradhuma and Yoga basti along with oral medications during and after course of treatment. The analysis of signs and symptoms done with the help of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale ALSFRS -R which was 33 before treatment, which increased to 40 after treatment. The results of treatment were helpful in managing the signs and symptoms and thereby improving the quality of life of individual.