Category: Brain Tumor

Leptomeningeal Enhancement Symptoms And Treatment By Ayurveda

Abstract

Meninges are the membranes that envelop and protect the brain and spinal cord. These meninges are the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. The main function of the meninges is to protect the CNS (central nervous system). Sometimes there are conditions that these meninges become inflamed or increase in size due to major infections and other serious issues. The increase in the size of these meninges is known as a leptomeningeal enhancement. In the text below, we shall discuss this condition in detail and see its management in the contemporary system of medicine as well as in the traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine. Let’s see !!

Leptomeningeal Enhancement

Introduction

The increase in the brain surface is called pial or pial-arachnoid enhancement and is generally known as a leptomeningeal enhancement. Thin arachnoid film is connected or attached to the inner surface of the dura mater, the pachymeningeal pattern of enhancement can likewise be depicted as a dural-arachnoid enhancement. This enhancement can be due to a number of conditions from infection to tumour. Therefore, the management is needed as soon as leptomeningeal enhancement is detected. Sometimes the patient may be asymptomatic and and sometimes associated with non specific neurological deficits. The conditions can be related to the tridosha imbalance in Ayurvedic context. Now let’s see the causes, classification, features, management and ayurvedic aspect of the condition. 

Causes of Leptomeningeal enhancement

  • Amoebic meningoencephalitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Granulomatous conditions
  • Haemorrhage
  • Tumours/cancers
  • Post operative infection
  • Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
  • Vasculitis
  • Neurosarcoidosis
  • Neurosyphilis
  • Sturge-Weber syndrome etc

Signs and symptoms

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Double vision
  • Difficult speaking
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Pain in arms and legs
  • Loss of bladder and bowel control
  • Seizures
  • Weakness
  • Slack of coordination in the arms and legs
  • Fever
  • Hearing loss
  • Back pain

Investigations 

  • Lumbar puncture
  • CT Scan
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Management of Leptomeningeal enhancement 

  • Radiation
  • Intrathecal-thecal chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Antineoplastic agents
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
  • Antimetabolites
  • Surgical intervention

Ayurvedic aspect and management of Leptomeningeal Enhancement 

Ayurveda, the old age science continuously helps mankind with its marvellous results. Ayurveda revolves around the three basic principles or dosha which are vata, pitta and kapha. There are seven dhatus as well. Any kind of vitiation in these doshas and  dhatus results in disease and within normal range leads to a healthy body, mind and soul. The condition of Leptomeningeal enhancement which we are discussing can not be correlated directly to any disease mentioned in the ayurvedic texts  but according to the symptoms, and findings this can ideally find its place in the disorders referred to as tridoshaja roga.  

Let’s understand how the three dosha are involved in this disease. As the condition can be due to many causative factors which results in enhancement of the meninges. Therefore, the enhancement is the features of vitiated kapha dosha. Further if the condition is due to inflammation caused by infectious agents then this comes out to be a condition due to pitta dosha dominance. And the features such as diplopia, seizures and other neurological features are related to the vitiated vata dosha. Every case of this disease has all the tridosha vitiation and hence regarded as tridoshaja vyadhi. And features of the conditions depend on the dosha predominance.

There are many herbs that are effective correcting the vitiated dosha such as bilva (Aegle marmelos), patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), amla (Embelica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), pippali (Piper longum), kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata), prishniparni (Uraria picta), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), haridra (Curcuma longa),ginger (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) and various others.

Kanchnaar guggul, Ras Sindur, Haridra khand, Ashwagandha ghan vati, Chandraprabha vati, Shallaki and various other formulations are available that are effective in managing the condition of Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Herbal Remedies for Leptomeningeal enhancement by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an eminent GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adheres to the objective of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in a number of ancient texts of Ayurveda. Formulations are manufactured without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring agents which can have a number of side effects on the human body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any kind of adulteration. The products are purely organic, vegetarian, gluten free and halal certified. Planet Ayurveda presents its product that effectively manages the condition of Leptomeningeal enhancement. 

Following is the list of formulations that are helpful in managing Leptomeningeal Enhancement 

Product List 

  1.  Neurogenie Capsules 
  2.  Yogendra Ras
  3.  Pitta Balance
  4.  Kanchnaar Guggul
  5.  Boswellia Curcumin
  6.  Neuro Plan Syrup
  7.  Musli Strenght Capsules
  8.  Vikramprash
    Herbal Remedies For Leptomeningeal Enhancement 

Herbal Remedies For Leptomeningeal Enhancement 

Product Description

1. Neurogenie Capsules 

Neurogenie capsules are composed of  the herbs which are medhya and promote and improve neurological functions as mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. The formulation is filled with the properties of herbs brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). As these are beneficial in promoting muscle health and nerve conduction and their coordination. The herbs in the formulation are vata pacifiers therefore manage the disorders of vata vitiation and restrict and reverse the abnormal growth of the meninges and support the  healthy nervous tissue. With these properties, Neurogenie capsules help in Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

2. Yogendra Ras

Yogendra Ras is a classical Ayurvedic formulation. It is a mineral formulation which is helpful in various health conditions.  It is composed of loha bhasma (iron calx), shuddha parada (purified mercury), gandhak (purified sulphur), ras sindoor, vanga bhasma (tin calx), shuddha mukta (purified pearls), swarna bhasma (gold calx) and abhrak bhasma (purified silica). Yogendra Ras increases the efficacy of other medicines when taken along with it. Yogendra Ras provides strength to the nerves and muscle and helps in good nervous tissue and health. Therefore, Yogendra Ras is beneficial in Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : One tablet twice a day.

3. Pitta Balance

Pitta balance is a product of Planet Ayurveda that balances the pitta dosha. It is a herbomineral formulation which contains jaharMohra, kaharawa, akik, mukta, giloy satva (Tinospora cordifolia). As it manages the pitta vitiation, thus helps in symptoms associated with vitiated pitta. It reduces the inflammation thus helps in Leptomeningeal enhancement.

 Dosage : One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

4. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar guggul is beneficial in Leptomeningeal enhancement as it reduces the size of the abnormal enhancement of the meninges. It contains the herbs that are known to reduce the abnormal sizes of the tissues and reduce pain. Ingredients of the formulation include kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), amalaki (Emblica officinale), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica), ginger (Zingiber officinale), marich (Piper nigrum), pippali (Piper longum), varuna bark (Crataeva religiosa), tejapatra (Cinnamomum tamala), guggul (Commiphora mukul) etc. The formulation reduces the size of the neoplastic type of Leptomeningeal enhancement. Thus it is a magical formulation that Ayurveda has in uncontrolled and abnormal tissue growths.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water.

5. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is a product of Planet Ayurveda which is enriched with the goodness of shallaki (Boswellia aristata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). The herbs have healing properties and also possess analgesic effects which makes it an effective formulation in the Leptomeningeal enhancement. It regresses the inflammation, heals the damaged tissue and also alleviates the pain and reduces the abnormal size or enhancement of the meninges.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day.

6. Neuro Plan Syrup

Neuro Plan Syrup is a remarkable formulation for increasing neurological health and managing all the neurological conditions. The syrup contains a variety of herbs which assuredly manages Leptomeningeal enhancement . The syrup is enriched with the properties of mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculata), madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra), pippali (Piper longum), maricha (Piper nigrum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) etc. All the herbs are known to have medhya properties which means these are helpful in maintaining a good neurological health. The herbs heal the damage of the nerves. It improves motor function. It relieves symptoms of vitiated vata dosha. Therefore, by pacifying the vata dosha, it helps in alleviating the seizure-like symptoms of Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : Two tsp twice a day.

7. Musli Strength Capsules

Musli Strength Capsules are enriched with properties of gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum). Both the herbs pacify vata dosha. As the name suggests Musli Strength Capsules strengthens the muscles and improves neurological health. The capsules help in the neoplastic condition of the nervous tissues and heals the damaged neurons. Therefore, Musli Strength Capsules are helpful in managing Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day.

8. Vikramprash

Vikramprash is a preparation of Planet Ayurveda which is available in jam form. Vikramprash is filled with the herbal properties of  Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Syonak (Oroxylum indicum), Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), Pippali (Piper longum), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Utpal (Nymphaea alba), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and many other herbs. Drugs that are present in the formulation promotes the wellbeing of  a person because it maintains the dosha levels within normal limits. Antioxidants present in the medicine slow down the ageing process because it is rich in nutrients that rejuvenates body cells. Being fulfilled with the properties of rasayana, Vikramprash helps in boosting immunity that further benefits in disorders of autoimmune, age related and neoplastic origin. With amazing and tridosha balancing  properties, Vikramprash helps in management of Leptomeningeal enhancement.

Dosage : One spoon daily

CONTACT  PLANET AYURVEDA  TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE    COSTING / ORDERING AND DELIVERY INFORMATION AT – COSTING.PLANETAYURVEDA@GMAIL.COM OR CALL AT +91-172-5214040

Conclusion 

As we discussed Leptomeningeal enhancement, we have come to know that leptomeningeal enhancement is an abnormal growth or enhancement of the meninges that can occur due to a number of factors including infections, tumours, encephalitis, granulomatous conditions, haemorrhage etc. Leptomeningeal enhancement may stay asymptomatic in some cases but in some cases it may lead to a number of troublesome features. In the modern system of medicine, there is no proper management available but chemotherapy and radiation therapy are some of the main management therapies that are performed which does not provide positive effects efficiently but causes a number of side effects which can hamper other functions of the body. Whereas Ayurvedic management is based on correcting the dosha imbalance that causes the disorder and also manages the symptoms impeccably. Further herbs are available that beautifully contain the symptoms and disease to the maximum. Hence, preferring Ayurveda over the side effect causing therapies will eventually provide promising results.

Herbal Remedies for Progessive Supranuclear Palsy Treatment

ABSTRACT

Progessive supranuclear palsy is a uncommon brain disorder that causes difficulty in walking, eye movement, and balance. The brain is an organ made up of a large number of nerve tissues that is protected within a hard structure known as the skull. It mainly includes functions such as it helps in regulating blood pressure and breathing, releases hormones and processes sensory information. Brain health is an emerging and growing concept that provides plasticity, functioning across life.

Numerous interconnected social and biological genetics play an important role in normal functioning of the brain. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and divides into 2 hemispheres. Each hemisphere is divided into regions called lobes. There are 4 lobes- Frontal lobes, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital lobe. There are many conditions affecting the brain such as Cerebrovascular injury such as strokes, Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and many more. It includes symptoms like headache, dizziness, speech problems, seizures, dilation of one or more pupils. We will study about its causes, symptoms, and its ayurvedic aspect further in this topic.

INTRODUCTION

Progessive supranuclear palsy is a degenerative disease which involves the deterioration of the brain cells which further causes loss of balance, slowing of movements, difficulty in moving eyes. The cause of this disease is unknown but there is accumulation of a protein called Tau within the brain. Sometimes it can be misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This condition keeps on worsening over time. Neurodegenerative refers to the collapse of the nervous system where there is death of numerous cells. Supranuclear refers to damage to localized nuclei in the brain. It is also known as Steele Richardson Olszewski syndrome. It worsens over time and leads to life threatening conditions such as pneumonia, swallowing problems. Supranuclear refers to the region of the brain above 2 small areas called nuclei. It is more commonly seen in men than women and it affects the middle aged or older people.

Progessive Supranuclear Palsy

CAUSES

  • Progessive supranuclear palsy occurs mainly when brain cells are damaged resulting in buildup of protein known as Tau.
  • Tau occurs in the brain and usually breaks down before it reaches a high level.
  • In people who are suffering from Progessive supranuclear palsy the build up protein doesn’t break down and forms harmful clumps in the brain.
  • Clumps of tau are progressively seen in neurodegenerative disorders such as in Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction can also cause progessive supranuclear palsy.
  • Substantia nigra is the most affected part of the brain where palsy symptoms are visible.
  • Clumps formed in the brain cells damages the neurons

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Change in behavior such as irritability
  • Slurred speech
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Loss of balance while walking- Tendency to fall back is an early symptom of this disease.
  • Depression
  • Dizziness
  • Rigid facial muscle
  • Urine incontinence
  • Sleep disruption
  • Constipation
  • Poor eyelid function
  • Contracture of the facial muscles.
  • Dementia

COMPLICATION

  • Falling which could lead to fractures, brain injury.
  • Difficulty focusing your eyes
  • Problems during inhaling food or liquid into the airway (aspiration).
  • Pneumonia which is the most common cause of death in progessive supranuclear palsy.
  • Impulsive behavior

TYPES

It is divided into following categories

  1. Classical Richardson syndrome
  2. Progessive parkinsonism and Progessive supranuclear palsy -pure akinesia with gait freezing
  3. Progessive supranuclear palsy – C
  4. Progessive supranuclear palsy induced by Annonanceae (known as custard apple)

DIAGNOSIS

  • Progessive supranuclear palsy diagnosis is difficult as it has signs and symptoms similar to Parkison disease. So doctor suspect following:
  • Don’t have tremors
  • Unexplained falls
  • Response to parkinson medication
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

TREATMENT

  • Parkisnson’s disease medications- It increases the level of brain chemical which controls the muscle movements, the effectiveness of this medication is temporary lasting for 2-3 years. Medications include- Levodopa, Levodopa with anticholinergic agents. 
  • Onabotulinumtoxin A- Is injected in small doses into muscle of your eyes as botox helps muscles to contract which improves spasms of eyelid.
  • Prism lenses- These lenses are very helpful as they ease the problems with looking downwards. These lenses allow people to look downwards without rolling their eyes downwards.
  • Physical therapy- It helps to improve balance, facial exercise, Gait balance and training helps to relieve symptoms of progessive supranuclear palsy.
  • Mental health- It is counseling with a therapist who improves the copying technique.
  • Antidepressant medications- The most commonly antidepressant medications are- Fluoxetine, Amitriptyline (Elavil).
  • As progessive supranuclear palsy worsens, the patient can’t swallow which prevents him/her from eating and drinking so surgery is recommended (GASTROTOMY).  

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

Progessive supranuclear palsy is caused due to vitiated vata dosha. Vata dosha is responsible for control of all the nervous functions in the body. Vata dosha is a tantra which runs the machine of our body. When vata dosha gets disturbed it drives the body crazy, disturbs the events in the body and causes diseases. Vatavyadhi is divided into 2 parts- Dhatukshayajanya avastha pain is reduced by touching. But in Margavrodhajanya pain is aggravated after touching. Due to intake of vata aahara and vihaar, vata dosha gets vitiated which gets stuck in the rikta strotasa and loses their qualities like smoothness and stickiness. On occupying the srotas this vitiated vata will produce Ekanga and Sarvanga diseases. Two pathology plays an important role in vatavyadhi there is decrease in dhatu and srotas become empty, but in margavarodhjanya vatavyadhi there is obstruction due to dhatu, maal and vata dosha gets stagnated which leads to dysfunction in organs. 

CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF VATA VYADHI

  • Intake of dry food, cold food.
  • Improper administration of vamana, virechana.
  • Fear
  • Irritation
  • Excessive consumption of spicy foods.

PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS

  • Stiffness of joints
  • Horripilations
  • Lameness
  • Sleeplessness
  • Numbness in body parts
  • Convulsions
  • Pricking type of pain.

TREATMENT

  • Snehan
  • Swedan
  • Mridu shodhana (virechana)
  • Deepan and Pachana sneha
  • Massage with medicated oils
  • Hot and fresh foods
  • Pouring of medicated oil in the form of seka
  • Consume sour, sweet food

HERBS USEFUL FOR PROGESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY

  • Turmeric- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) rectifies the metabolic fire due to its ushna veerya which further cleanses and detoxifies the ras, enables free circulation to each part of the body and restores the normal functioning of the body. Haridra removes the blocked channels and enables the free movement of vata and makes dhatu nourished and replenished.
  • Shilajit- Shilajit plays an important role in treating urinary disorders, skin disease, worms infestation, mental disorders. Shilajit plays an important role as it has fulvic acid which is preventing Tau protein from aggregating so it is useful in Alzheimer’ disease and is reducing anorexia. It helps to maintain blood pressure, strengthens the skeletal system, brings energy and stamina.
  • Amalaki- Amalaki is the best anti-aging herb which balances all the three doshas in the body, useful in bleeding disorders, fever, and has a rejuvenative property.  It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which nourish the tissues. Amalaki promotes healthy circulation, tonify the muscles, enhances memory and brings a sense of calm to mind. It clears and detoxifies the system known as Rasayana herb.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR PROGESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY

Ayurvedic medicines treat the disease as the root cause for maintaining a healthy life. Planet ayurveda is a brand which has been serving pure extract in the form of tablets, capsules, powder which are prepared under guidelines of Ayurvedic board. The medicines prepared are free from any chemicals and preservatives, are 100% pure and vegetarian. Ayurvedic medicine reduces the risk of recurrence of disease and causes no side effects of the treatment as it is pure plant based extracts.

PRODUCTS LIST

  1. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
  2. MUSLI STRENGTH
  3. YOGRAJ GUGGUL
  4. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULE
  5. NOURISH MAXX
  6. BRAHMI CAPSULE
Herbal Remedies for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat vatchintamani ras is one of the classical formulations which is effective in balancing vata dosha. It is prepared in the form of tablets by planet Ayurveda using ingredients like- Swarna bhasma (Calx of Gold), Rasa Sindoor (Red sulphide of mercury), Praval bhasma (Calx of coral) and many more. These tablets are helpful in maintaining cardiac health by strengthening the muscles, used in a variety of diseases like diabetes, splenomegaly, hypertension. This tablet has rajata bhasma  which is an excellent drug for mental health disorders and has antidepressant property. 

Dosage– 1 tablet twice daily to be chewed with plain water after meals.

2. Musli Strength

Musli strength is a great formulation prepared by planet ayurveda in the form of capsules using ingredients like- Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). It helps in strengthening of the body and bone, uplifts the power of the reproductive system as it increases the quality and quantity of sperms. It has gokshura which is a diuretic and has cleansing properties on the urinary system and on lithotriptic activity. Tribulus has wound healing properties and balances tridosha.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meal

3. Yograj Guggul

Yograj guggul are herbal tablets formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like- Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis),Cardamomum (Elettaria cardamomum), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica) and many more. It is a useful preparation used in the treatment of splenomegaly, abdominal tumours, bone marrow, and increases digestion power. Yograj guggul is widely used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

Dosage– 2tablets twice daily with lukewarm water.

4. Ashwagandha Capsules

These are single herbals capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using standardised extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha has rejuvenating that helps to maintain proper nourishment of the tissues. These capsules are useful in back stiffness, muscle fatigue, and have the property of balancing vata dosha in the body as vata dosha governs all the movement in the body. Ashwagandha has antioxidant, immunting enhancing, anti stress, rejuvenating properties. It inhibits inflammation and improves memory.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Nourish Maxx

Nourish maxx is a herbal powder preparation formulated by planet ayurveda using various ingredients like- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum). It helps to nourish the entire body, useful for both males and females, natural protein supplement for weight gain, bodybuilder, short height. Helps to maintain proper functioning of the organs. This powder has ashwagandha which helps to maintain and help the body to adapt to various types of stress.

Dosage– 1 tsp twice daily with normal water.

6. Brahmi Capsule

Brahmi capsules are single herbal preparation which is formulated by planet ayurveda using standardised extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Brahmi is the best brain tonic which wonderfully works on brain health, promotes the regeneration of cells of the brain , so very helpful in Progessive supranuclear palsy, Alzheimer’s disease. It shows a miraculous effect on the liver as it removes the toxins from the body and promotes the functioning of the liver. Brahmi is useful in irregular menstruation, impotence, premature ejaculations, helps to relieve and prevent stress.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily with plain water.

CONCLUSION

Progessive supranuclear palsy is a uncommon brain disorder that causes difficulty in walking, eye movement, and balance.  The cause of this disease is unknown but there is accumulation of a protein called Tau within the brain.Vata dosha is responsible for control of all the nervous functions in the body. Further we studied its purva roop and many herbal remedies to cure this vata vyadhi. Planet Ayurveda also prepared many formulations which are useful in this disease without any side effects and maintained a healthy lifestyle for future needs.