An effective Ayurveda management of Sarvangavata W.S.R. to Guillain–Barre syndrome: A case report

Abstract

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare but potentially serious autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Therapies, such as immunoglobulin therapy and plasmapheresis, are considered mainstays of GBS treatment. Ayurveda treatment can potentially offer therapeutic support to GBS patients in enhancing recovery. A 43-year-old male presented to the in-patient department of an Ayurvedic hospital with bilateral weakness in both upper and lower limbs, accompanied by pain in the left thigh and lower back region, as well as tingling sensations in the ring and middle fingers of the right hand. Following a comprehensive evaluation, including clinical assessment, neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and nerve conduction study, a conclusive diagnosis of GBS was established. Based on the detailed Ayurveda assessment, an Ayurveda diagnosis of Sarvangavata was also made. Upon admission, the patient underwent a comprehensive in-patient treatment regimen spanning 44 days, which included Udwarthana (dry powder massage), Ksharavasti (enema), Sneha Pana (internal administration of medicated oils), Abhyanga (oil massage) and Sweda (sudation therapy), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), Samsarjana Karma (diet for restoring Agni)), Vasti (medicated enema), Shirobasti (medicated oil retention in the head), Pizhichil (oil bath therapy), and Nasya (nasal administration of medicine). Following these intensive therapies, the patient was discharged and continued on Samana Ousadha (palliative medication) for ongoing management of symptoms. The patient was routinely followed up for 6 months with routine clinical assessments and the symptoms gradually improved and consistent recovery was noticed. This case study underscores the promising prospects of integrating Ayurvedic principles and treatments into the management of GBS. However, to substantiate these findings and elucidate the mechanisms through which Ayurvedic therapies operate, further investigation and rigorous clinical trials are warranted.