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!

Post Polio Syndrome

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:

  • 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.

Herbal Remedies For Post Polio Syndrome By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an Internationally renowned brand of Ayurvedic Products. This Brand formulates various Ayurvedic Products in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, syrups, oils, etc for Mankind as well as Animals including, Dogs, Cats, Horses, etc. They deal with maintaining the health of the healthy and managing the diseases of the diseased. So as in this article we make a view on Post Polio Syndrome, so let’s read further how Planet Ayurveda helps in managing this condition and improving the lifestyle of the people suffering from the same.

  1. Boswellia Curcumin
  2. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  3. Ashwagandhaghan Vati
  4. Vikramprash

Product Description

1. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is a polyherbal capsule formulation which consists of herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Both these herbs consist of analgesic properties which helps in relieving pain and improves the quality of life of the patient suffering from Post Polio Syndrome. This condition also includes joints so both the herbs help in reducing pain and later on improves the mobility of the joints.

Dosage – 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is one of the classical Ayurvedic Formulations prepared by Planet Ayurveda as mentioned in Classical Ayurvedic texts. These tablets consist of ingredients such as Swarna Bhasma (Calyx of Gold), Rajata Bhasma (Calyx of Silver), Abhrak Bhasma (Calyx of Mica), etc. As the name indicates this formulation helps in reducing the aggravated Vata Dosha. We read earlier the main dosha involved in this condition is Vata, so by reducing the aggravated Vata these tablets help in managing the symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome.

Dosage – 1 tablet twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Ashwagandhaghan Vati

Ashwagandha Ghan Vati is one of the formulations in tablet form prepared by Planet Ayurveda by using the main ingredient Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is one of the Balya herbs which means it helps in providing strength to the muscles and even helps in building muscle mass. So as we read earlier the main thing due to which patients experience symptoms is muscle wasting and gradual muscle wasting. So by adding these tablets along with other Ayurvedic Remedies we can help in managing the condition of the patient more significantly.

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

4. Vikramprash

Vikramprash is one of the health supplements formulated by Planet Ayurveda in jam form. This formulation consists of herbs such as Kali Musli (Curculigo orchioides), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), etc. This is a general health tonic which helps in improving physical strength, nourishes bodily tissues, improves respiratory health and maintains the overall health, thus helps in improving the quality of life of the patient.

Dosage – 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after meals.

Conclusion

Post Polio Syndrome is a complication developed after recovering from Polio-Virus. 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. The symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome start up to 10 to 40 years Post Polio Virus. Possible symptoms include, Unexplained Fatigue, Gradually worsening Muscle Weakness, Gradual Muscle Wasting, Reduced Endurance throughout everyday activities, etc. 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 that we have explained in the article. There are various Ayurvedic Remedies by Planet Ayurveda which helps in managing the condition of the patient suffering from the same and improving their quality of life. For more information you can contact herbalremedies123@yahoo.com