HMSN (Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy) And Its Ayurvedic Management
Abstract
There are a number of hereditary conditions that children get from their parents. Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy is one among them. Oftentimes, the name HMSN is given to a bunch of different neuropathies which are characterised by their impact on efferent and afferent neural communication. Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy is also called Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy. It is an inherited and progressive disorder of the nerves which is characterised by numbness and weakness more pronounced in the legs. In the following section, we shall discuss HMSN in detail and its management in the contemporary system of medicine as well as in the traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine. Let’s discuss!!
Introduction
HMSN (Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy), which is also known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is an inherited peripheral polyneuropathy. It comprises a group of progressive, inherited, sensory and motor peripheral disorders with properties of degeneration of axons, demyelination or both. It is grouped by clinical characteristics, type of inheritance, metabolic effects, specific gene markers and electrophysiologic features. In Ayurveda, the correlation of the condition can be established with vata dosha vitiation as all the neurological and movements of the body is governed by vata dosha, hence in HMSN the vata dosha is vitiated and therefore can be managed by correcting the vata dosha imbalance.
Causes Of HMSN
- Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies are inherited.
- Chromosomes 1 and 17 are mostly with mutations.
- The condition can be inherited in an autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant or X-linked.
Sign & Symptoms
- Onset in early age (childhood) or young adults.
- Motor symptoms are more pronounced than sensory.
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Imbalance
- Lack of feeling
- Lack of reflexes
- Lack of hearing and sight
- Arched feet
- Foot drop
- Foot deformities
- Hammer toes
- Scoliosis
Investigations
- Physical evaluation for weakness, atrophy, sensory and motor responses
- Electromyography
- Motor nerve conduction test
- Final confirmation is by genetic testing
Management of HMSN
- There is no pharmacological treatment for hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy.
- Physical therapy
- Stretching
- Braces
Ayurvedic Management of HMSN
- The condition of HMSN is caused by the vata dosha vitiation therefore the management is based on the pacification of the vata dosha. There are a number of herbs available that are known as vata dosha pacifiers. Single herbs include nirgundi (Vitex negundo), erand (Ricinus communis), rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), shyonak (Oroxylum indicum) etc.
- The formulations which pacify vata dosha are vata vidhwansan ras, vrihat vatchintamani ras, yograj guggul, rasraj ras, trayodashang guggul etc are available. These are beneficial in HMSN.
Herbal Remedies for Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, GMP 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 and vegetarian and gluten free and halal certified. Planet Ayurveda extends its products that are useful in managing Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.
Following is the list of formulations that are helpful in Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy:
- ASHWAGANDHAGHAN VATI
- ATIRASADI CHURNA
- KUMARI SAAR
- TRIBULUS POWER
- MUSLI STRENGTH CAPSULES
- VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
- NEUROGENIE CAPSULES
Products Description
1. ASHWAGANDHAGHAN VATI
Ashwagandhaghan Vati are filled with the effectiveness of the herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) that possesses rasayana properties. Ashwagandha provides overall wellness. It rejuvenates the body cells. Further it strengthens the muscles and helps in the demyelinating and degenerative conditions of the neurons. Therefore by this property it helps in alleviation of associated symptoms of the above said conditions. Further it improves neurological impulses thus helps in proper movements and sensations. With all these actions, Ashwagandhaghan Vati is helpful in managing Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.
Dosage: Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water.
2. ATIRASADI CHURNA
Atirasadi Churna is a blend of various medicinal herbs that helps in strengthening overall structures of the body. Atirasadi Churna is comprised of kesar (Crocus sativus), talmakhana (Hygrophila spinosa), jaiphal (Myristica fragrans), safed behmen (Centaurea behen), varahi kand (Dioscorea tuberosa), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), vidari kand (Pueraria tuberosa), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), kali musli (Curculigo orchioides) etc. Atirasadi Churna helps in proper conduction of the nerve impulses. All the herbs are known to strengthen the nervous system. Being a nervine tonic it helps in Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy and relieves symptoms associated with it.
Dosage: One tsp twice a day with warm milk.
3. KUMARI SAAR
Kumari Saar is the juice extract of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis). It is used as a nervous tonic. It gives strength to the neurological system and helps in healing of the damaged nerves. Furthermore, it alleviates pain and corrects the neurological dysfunctions as it helps in proper functioning of the neuromuscular structures by strengthening them.
Dosage: Two tsp twice a day after meals.
4. TRIBULUS POWER
Tribulus Power is a beautiful herb that is beneficial in a number of conditions. Tribulus Power contains the strengthening and energising properties of gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Tribulus pacifies vata dosha therefore manages the vata disorder Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy. In the case of Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, Tribulus Power is of much help.
Dosage: One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.
5. MUSLI STRENGTH CAPSULES
Musli Strength Capsules are filled 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 nerve conduction. The capsules help in the atrophic condition of the muscles and heals the damaged neurons. Therefore, Musli Strength Capsules are helpful in managing Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.
Dosage: One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.
6. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is a classical Ayurvedic mineral formulation. The formulation is composed of Rajata Bhasma (silver calx), Swarna Bhasma (gold calx), Loha Bhasma (iron ash), Abhrak Bhasma (mica ash), Suta Bhasma (compound of purified mercury and purified sulphur), Mukta Bhasma (pearl calx) and Pravala Bhasma (coral calcium). It also consisted of juice extract of Aloe vera. It is helpful in demyelination conditions of nerves. It alleviates the neurological pain. It is useful in neuropathies. As the name of the formulation indicates it is useful in vata dosha conditions, the product alleviates the symptoms of the nervous system degeneration. With above said functions Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is a product of choice in Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.
Dosage: One tablet twice a day to be chewed after meals.
7. NEUROGENIE CAPSULES
Neurogenie capsules composed of the herbs which are known to be medhya. These herbs promote and improve neurological functions as per Ayurvedic texts. The formulation contains the herbs brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). As these are beneficial in promoting muscle health and nerve conduction and their coordination. Neurogenie Capsules are therefore helpful in numbness, pain, reduced motor and sensory function and other conditions of the neurological system. Hence by all the above said actions Neurogenie capsules are best used in Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.
Dosage: One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.
Conclusion
As we discuss Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, the condition is inherited which is characterised by fatigue, numbness in the extremities and lack of motor functions etc. The disease progresses over time. Hence the management should be started as soon as the condition is diagnosed. As there is no permanent cure or treatment available for the ailment in the contemporary system of medicine whereas the Ayurveda offers promising results in the management of the same. Formulations mentioned above are helpful in pacifying the vata dosha and also provides strength to the muscles and nerves. By strengthening the musculoskeletal and neurological system the products help in alleviating symptoms associated with Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy. Hence Ayurveda has much to offer in so many conditions related to every system.
