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Ayurvedic Management of Rare Genetic Condition-Huntington's Chorea: A Case Report
Mahesh Sharma1, Sourabh Deshmukh2, Trupti Thakre3
1PG Scholar, Kayachikitsa Department; Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College Hospital and Research Centre, Salod (H), Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Insights
Ayurvedic treatment significantly improved motor function, behavioral health, and daily living activities in a Huntington's Chorea patient. This case report highlights Ayurveda's potential in managing this progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Huntington's Chorea is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by HTT gene CAG repeat expansion.
- It leads to motor, cognitive, and psychiatric impairments, significantly impacting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the progressive nature of Huntington's disease.
- To evaluate the role of Ayurvedic management in improving quality of life for Huntington's Chorea patients.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 40-year-old male diagnosed with Huntington's Chorea.
- Treatment involved Ayurvedic purification (shodhana), external therapies, and oral medications over 4 months.
Main Results:
- Ayurvedic management led to substantial improvements in behavioral health, neuromotor function, and daily living activities.
- Improvements were assessed using the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) Sydenham's Chorea Rating Scale (USCRS).
Conclusions:
- Ayurvedic interventions showed positive outcomes in managing Huntington's Chorea symptoms.
- This case suggests potential benefits of Ayurveda in improving patient well-being and quality of life.
Background:
Huntington's Chorea is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances. It is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation in the HTT gene, leading to an abnormal expansion of CAG repeats. The disease typically manifests in mid-adulthood and gradually worsens over time. The progressive nature of the disease leads to motor, cognitive, and psychiatric impairments, significantly affecting the quality of life.
Aim:
This study aims to highlight the progressive nature of Huntington's disease, its impact on motor and cognitive functions, and the role of symptomatic management in improving the patient's quality of life through Ayurveda.
Methods:
A 40-year-old male presented with involuntary movement in the upper and lower extremities, difficulty in doing daily routine work, anxiety, difficulty in walking, and sleeplessness for a year. A thorough Huntington's disease mutation analysis was conducted to confirm the diagnosis. The patient was treated with Ayurvedic shodana (Bio-purification), Sarvanga Snehan with Prasarini Taila, followed by Shashtik Shali Pinda Swedan, Nasya with Shadbindu Taila, Shiropichu with Brahmi Taila, Sarvang Dhara with dashmoola kwath, Erandmooladi niruh basti, and shamana (palliative) chikitsa (treatment), Zandopa powder, Balasaireyakadi Kashaya, Kalyanak ghrit, and capsule palsineuron orally for 4 months.
Result:
Ayurvedic management promoted substantial improvements in behavioral health, neuromotor function, and activities of daily living as assessed by the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) Sydenham's Chorea Rating Scale (USCRS).
Discussion:
The patient's clinical presentation and diagnostic findings were consistent with Huntington's Chorea.
Conclusion:
Huntington's Chorea is a debilitating condition with no definitive cure. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary management approach can help alleviate symptoms and improve patient well-being. Genetic counseling plays a crucial role in managing the familial impact of the disease.
Keywords:
HTT gene, Genetic Counseling, CAG Repeat Expansion, Huntington's Chorea, Motor Dysfunction, Ayurvedic Medicine, Case Report.
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