Spinal muscular atrophy: an Ayurvedic appraisal

Abstract

Many people seek complementary and alternative treatments for debilitating diseases like spinal muscular atrophy. It is our responsibility to frame diagnos-tic and management protocols for these clinical conditions in Ayurvedic per-spective. The unique principle of clinical assessment of diseases in Ayurveda, Nidanapanchaka helps us to frame a diagnostic protocol. Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare hereditary genetic condition in which muscles throughout the body gets weakened due to the impairment of the nerve cells in the spinal cord and brainstem. In Ayurvedic perspective, this can be consid-ered as a Sahaja vyadhi that occurs due to defect at the level of Beejabhaga-vayava, influences by Poorvakarma,Matha pithru apachaara or Chirakaari nidana by the patient. There are four distinct types of SMAs. According to the different types and stages of this disease, the intensity and severity of in-volved factors like Dosha, Dooshya, Srotas, Agni etc can be assessed. Studies prove that altered fatty acid metabolism, impaired glucose tolerance and muscle mitochondria defects are evident in some patients suffering from SMA. Evidence towards potential contribution of gastrointestinal, metabolic, and endocrine defects to disease phenotype has also been found out. Togeth-er they can be enunciated as a spectrum of metabolic errors occurring in body due to improper functioning of agni. Considering all the concerned fac-tors involved in the pathogenesis, management protocol can also be postulat-ed. The role of samana therapies, Panchakarma therapies, Therapeutic yoga procedures, Suggestive food regimens etc. is discussed.Introduction