Ayurveda management of Multiple Sclerosis - A Case Report

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and progressive disorder that presents with various cognitive, motor, and sensory impairments. This autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system damages the myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibres, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Although corticosteroids are commonly prescribed in conventional medicine, they often fail to provide comprehensive or sustained relief. In Ayurveda, while there is no explicit mention of multiple sclerosis, the condition can be classified under Vatavyadhi (~neurological and musculoskeletal disorders due to vitiation of Vata Doṣha) based on its clinical characteristics. A 54-year-old female homemaker presented with continuous, throbbing pain in the right temporal region, radiating to her neck, right upper back, and both upper and lower limbs for the past two years. She has a known history of multiple sclerosis, confirmed by MRI reports indicating chronic demyelinating lesions. In Ayurveda, she was diagnosed with Kaphavrita Vyana Vata. The treatment plan included Deepana Pachana with Anulomana, Basti Karma (~medicated enema), and Nasya Karma (~therapeutic nasal instillation of medicated oils), along with Shamana Chikitsa (~conservative therapy). Throughout her treatment, she was advised to follow Pathya-Apathya (~wholesome diet and lifestyle) to support the management of Vata Vyadhi. After three months of treatment, significant improvement was observed. The assessment of disease severity and quality of life using the FAMS scale, Berg Balance Scale, and SF-36 revealed significant improvements. This single case report demonstrates the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatments for conditions similar to multiple sclerosis.