Role of Panchkarma in the management of Guillain Barre Syndrome

Abstract

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. The syndrome afflicts about one person in 100,000. Either gender can be affected in any age group especially between ages 30 and 50, however risk increases with age. The exact cause of GBS is unknown. It is often preceded by an infection such as respiratory infection or stomach flu. Most of the time, signs of the original infection have disappeared before the symptoms of Guillain-Barre begin. Guillain-Barre syndrome damages parts of nerves. This nerve damage causes tingling, muscle weakness and paralysis. Guillain-Barre syndrome most often affects the nerve's covering (myelin sheath). Such damage is called demyelination and it causes nerve signals to move more slowly. Damage to other parts of the nerve can cause the nerve to stop working altogether. It is a paralyzing syndrome which can have dire consequences if not managed by an informed medical team. As per as Ayurvedic concept, based on various clinical presentations of G.B. Syndrome, it can be correlated with Kaphavrut Vata, Medavruta Vata, Sarvang Vata, too. Thus based on involvement of Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and patient condition one should plan the different Ayurvedic line of treatment. This article will explain how this disorder begins, how it is managed in Ayurveda by taking help of the Panchkarma procedures such as Basti, Abhayanga etc.