Ayurvedic Treatment For Post Polio Syndrome: Causes And Symptoms
Abstract
Nervous System is mainly a connection between our Brain and the entire Body. It plays a role in almost every aspect of maintaining our health and our well-being. It mentors everyday activities such as automatic activities like breathing, sweating, salivating, etc and biological activities like sleeping, waking up, etc. Even though it controls our complex processes like reading, thinking, feeling emotions and remembering. So if there is something not good with our Nervous System it will further hamper our overall well being. There are some major issues that involve nerve degeneration, among those we will study today about Post Polio Syndrome. So let’s start discussing!
Introduction
Post Polio Syndrome is a complication developed after recovering from Polio-Virus. This condition becomes more significant and leads to signs and symptoms much later after a patient recovers from polio Virus. Approximately 30-40% cases of Post polio virus lead to this syndrome and it usually comes into play within 10-40 years of the post time period of Post Polio Virus. The major impact is on muscle wasting after a prolonged time period as a result of Nerve Degeneration. Now further let’s discuss Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Ayurvedic Overview and Herbal Remedies for Post Polio Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda.
Causes Of Post Polio Syndrome
As per research the exact cause of Post Polio Syndrome is unknown. The major cause that is noticed is stress on the motor neurons as a result of post polio infection, that we have already read earlier. After recovering from Polio Infection, gradual nerve degeneration still continues in some Post Polio Virus patients. Due to slow degeneration of motor neurons one may not experience symptoms initially. After 10-40 years of time-period a person may start observing muscle weakness and rest of the symptoms develop after sometime.
Risk Factors Of Post Polio Syndrome
There are some factors that can increase the risk of spreading post polio syndrome, which includes the following factors:
- Age of Initial Illness – If you had Polio Virus infection in adult age rather in childhood your chances of developing Post Polio Syndrome increases.
- Severity of Polio Virus Infection – More the severity of Polio Virus Infection more the chances of developing Post Polio Syndrome.
- Unrestricted Physical Activity – Regularly pushing yourself to the limit when exercising could overstress already-stressed motor neurons and raise your risk of developing post-polio syndrome.
- Recovery – The more quick your recovery after Polio Virus Infection, the less the chances of developing Post Polio Syndrome.
Symptoms Of Post Polio Syndrome
As we read earlier, the symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome start up to 10 to 40 years Post Polio Virus. Possible symptoms includes:
- Unexplained Fatigue
- Gradually worsening Muscle Weakness
- Gradual Muscle Wasting
- Reduced Endurance throughout everyday activities
- Joint Pain
- Scoliosis
- Sleep Disturbances
- Breathing Problems
- Swallowing Problems
- Sleep Apnea
Diagnosis Of Post Polio Syndrome
Physicians do not utilise a single diagnostic method to identify PPS. Initially, a physical examination will be performed by a doctor to evaluate your reflexes, sensitivity, and muscular strength. If you have:, they might continue with imaging and further tests. The Doctor will analyse polio infection history, muscular weakness and atrophy, and other potential PPS symptoms for at least a year. Your physician will probably wish to rule out any other potential reasons for your symptoms, such as:
- Acute Injury
- Recent Surgery
- A general lack of exercise because of other factors
- Exclude skeletal anomalies and neurological disorders
To assist in the diagnosis of PPS, a physician may employ any of the following tests:
- MRI
- CT Scan
- Spine Fluid Analysis
- Muscle Biopsy
- Electrophysiological Study
Complications Of Post Polio Syndrome
This condition is hardly ever life-threatening but drastic muscle weakness may lead to some complications, which are mentioned as below:
- Fatigue – This is a very common complication of Post Polio Syndrome. Fatigue may lead to disability even after mild activity. It might also result in issues with focus and memory.
- Falls – It is easy for you to get out of your balance and fall if your leg muscles are weak. After that, you may fracture a bone, like your hip, which could cause further issues.
- Pain – Chronic pain can result from musculoskeletal disorders and muscular weakness.
- Malnutrition – If the nerves and muscles helping chewing and swallowing get involved then it may lead to Malnutrition.
- Chronic Respiratory Failure – It becomes more difficult to cough and take deep breaths when you have weak diaphragm and chest muscles, which can lead to a buildup of mucus and fluid in your lungs. This may further lead to Chronic Respiratory Failure.
- Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis and bone density loss are frequently associated with prolonged immobility and inactivity, affecting both genders equally. You should discuss bone density screening with your physician if you have post-polio syndrome.
Ayurvedic Overview Of Post Polio Syndrome
Polio Infection is a Viral infection caused by a virus of the family Picornaviridae. There is no direct correlation of Polio Virus in Ayurveda but can be correlated to Baal Pakshaghata and it may include various Vataj Conditions which we can consider as Post Polio Syndrome. Following are various conditions that may be considered as Post Polio Syndrome:
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- Khanja – This is one of the 80 Vata Vyadhis explained by Acharya Charak. An exacerbated vata becomes trapped in the waist, affecting the tendon tissue of one lower leg and resulting in function loss. We refer to this illness as Khanja. Here, the person limps because they are unable to walk normally.
- Pangta – This is also one of the 80 Vata Vyadhis explained by Acharya Charaka. Acharya Charaka did not describe this condition more significantly but its brief overview is mentioned by Acharya Sushruta. Pangu is the name for vitiated vayu, which is located in the kati region and causes weakness and flaccidity in the muscles of both lower limbs. In order to shed light on this matter, Acharya Dalhana states that “sarvatha gatighatat pangurityarthah” means the patient’s two legs are weak, making it impossible for them to walk or stand.
- Pakshaghata – Morbid Vata occupies half of the body, snatching up the siras and snayus and causing looseness in nearly every joint on the affected side. As a result, the patient is unable to perform any function with those specific limbs. Certain patients may experience unconsciousness or semi consciousness. From the face to the lower limbs, the left half of the body is affected by vitiated Vata, we call it Pakshaghata. The condition is known as Ekanga Vata if only one leg is impacted. Sarvangroga is the term for the illness that develops if all four limbs become affected and nonfunctional.
- Avabahuka – In this condition Vayu vitiated Amsa Pradesh (Vital Point located in the upper back at the junction of neck and shoulder on the either vertebral sides. It blocks the siras (blood vessels) and snayus (ligaments) at that point which causes the shoulder joint to slightly drag or constrict.
Above are some conditions that can be considered as Post Polio Syndrome, below we will discuss what Ayurvedic Remedies can help in managing these conditions and improve the quality of life of the patient.
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Post Polio Syndrome is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Post Polio Syndrome yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other Spinal cord related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if APost Polio Syndrome is what you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Post Polio Syndrome
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Post Polio Syndrome is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues