AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF GUILLAIN-BARRÉ SYNDROME: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder which is caused by the body's immune system attacking its own peripheral nervous system. The syndrome afflicts about one person in 100,000. Either gender can be affected in any age group especially between ages 30 and 50, however risk increases with age. It often follows a minor infection Most of the time, signs of the original infection have disappeared before the symptoms of Guillain-Barré begin. Guillain-Barré syndrome damages parts of nerves. This nerve damage causes tingling, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Guillain-Barré syndrome most often affects the nerve's covering (myelin sheath). Such damage is called demyelination and it causes nerve signals to move more slowly. Damage to other parts of the nerve can cause the nerve to stop working altogether. It is a paralyzing syndrome which can have dire consequences if not managed by an informed medical team. This article will explain how this disorder begins, how it is managed in Ayurveda. It can be compared to Kaphavruta vyana, so approach is to treat Kapha first and then to Vata with Brihmana chikitsa.