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ABSTRACT

Friedreich’s ataxia is a genetic and uncommon disorder which results in sensation loss in legs and arms, difficulty in walking and impairment of speech. This condition is also termed as spinocerebellar degeneration. There can be various types of ataxia from which Friedreich’s ataxia is one and it causes damage to certain parts of the brain and spinal cord resulting in these disabilities.Usually it is considered to be incurable and treatment is given to treat and manage the presenting complaints. This article contains all the information about Friedreich’s ataxia and herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda to manage the symptoms associated with it and to slow down the progression of the disease.

INTRODUCTION

Friedreich’s ataxia is a neurodegenerative, rare, progressive, genetic and movement disorder. This disorder affects the nervous system and leads to movement disturbances. People suffering from this disease develop impairment in coordination of muscles which becomes worse with passing time. Along with this it can also lead to abnormal changes in the heart like hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy which can prove to be fatal.

Abnormal curvature of the spine called scoliosis can also be developed during the course of disease in some individuals. Usually the signs and symptoms start to appear between the age of 5-15 years of a person’s life. Poor balance and coordination problems are the first features to be observed in the child. Sadly, within 10 years after the appearance of the signs and symptoms, the individual becomes wheelchair dependent due to worsening of the coordination and balancing ailments. In very uncommon cases these signs and symptoms can appear after the age of 25 years and such individuals are known to suffer from the late onset of Friedreich’s ataxia. Similarly Very late onset Friedreich’s ataxia is when the symptoms appear after the age of 40 years. Progression of disease is slower in later ones as compared to the typical type.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms are gradually developed, usually between the age of 5-15 years of age in the typical type of Friedreich’s ataxia.

• Difficulty in walking
• Hearing loss
• Weakness of muscles
• Involuntary movements of the eyes
• Low reflexes in the legs
• Slurred speech or other speech problems
• Lack of or poor coordination
• Deformities of foot like clubfoot
• Poor sensations of vibration in feet or legs
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy which results in some other sets of symptoms like light headedness, pain in chest, shortness of breath, dizziness and palpitations

Causes

Friedreich’s ataxia is an inherited genetic disorder which is passed through autosomal recessive transmission which means defective genes are passed from both the parents in order to manifest. A FXN gene is considered to be linked with it which normally is responsible for the production of 33 copies of certain DNA sequences but in this disorder the defective gene causes the sequence to repeat for 66 times or even 1000 times. Uncontrolled production of this specific gene results in brain damage specifically the cerebellum and spinal cord part. Family of history of Friedreich’s ataxia increases the risk of having it.

DIAGNOSIS

Complete medical history and thorough physical examination reveals the signs and symptoms and history which directs towards Friedreich’s ataxia. Further examinations are done to check the problem with the nervous system like balancing, muscles coordination, reflexes and sensations in legs and arms. Abnormalities in these examinations will strengthen the base of diagnosis which can be confirmed further with the help of CT scan or MRI findings. Some other tests done to confirm the diagnosis of Friedreich’ ataxia are

• X- ray
• Genetic testing
• Electromyography
• Nerve conduction study
• Echocardiograms
• Electrocardiograms

TREATMENT

However, Friedreich’s ataxia cannot be cured completely hence the treatment is aimed to treat the presenting complaints and slow down the progression of the disease along with improving the life quality of the patient.

Ayurveda offers certain herbal combinations which are prepared using the herbs that possess the therapeutic properties for such ailments naturally. Ayurveda is the science of life which means the aim of treatment is not only to treat the disease but also to improve the life quality of a person along with managing the current complaints.

HERBAL REMEDIES for FRIEDREICH’S ATAXIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

The herbal medicines and products formulated and manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are best among other similar products present in the market owing to the fact that they are prepared using authentic and organic herbs whose quality is ensured using several quality check and standardization products.

Planet Ayurveda is a very well known company of herbal products that indulges in the production of herbal remedies and products. MD Ayurveda doctors further prescribe these medicines to the patients as per the presenting ailments. For Friedreich’s ataxia, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies which helps in managing the disorder in a very natural way.

Products List

1. Brahmi capsule
2. Gotukola capsule
3. Ashwagandha capsule
4. Boswellia curcumin
5. Shilajit capsule
6. Yograj guggul

Products Description

1. Brahmi capsule

These amazing herbal capsules are prepared from standardized extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) which is very well known for its neuroprotective properties. Brahmi capsules help in preventing damage to the brain and spinal cord, and in maintaining muscle coordination and speech

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

2. Gotukola capsule

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) in a standardized form is used to formulate the gotu kola capsules. These herbal capsules boost the cognitive function of the brain, improves circulation in the body, relieves stress and anxiety and helps in managing the neurodegenerative ailments like Friedreich’s ataxia.

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

3. Ashwagandha capsule

It helps in giving the strength to the muscles improving their coordination and removing the fatigue and weakness from them. These capsules are prepared from Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha capsules act as a general health tonic.

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

4. Boswellia Curcumin

Two amazing herbs i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa) are used in the preparation of Boswellia curcumin capsules. It helps in treating pain and signs of inflammation and also boosts the immunity.

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

5. Shilajit capsule

Shilajit (Asphaltum) is used mainly in these capsules. Shilajit capsules give strength to muscles, managing the poor muscle coordination and weakness of muscles. It also helps in treating the general signs of weakness like dizziness or lightheadedness.

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

6. Yograj guggul

It is formulated using Shuddh guggul (Commiphora mukul), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), Pippali (Piper longum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) etc. Yograj guggul helps in relieving the heart complaints like chest pain and shortness of breath along with treating the numbness and tingling sensation in extremities.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

CONCLUSION

Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare neurodegenerative disorder which can lead to various coordination and speech troubles. This condition can be managed and its progression can be slowed down to a certain extent improving the life quality of a patient using the herbal remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda.