A CASE OF METACHROMATIC LEUKODYSTROPHY ASSOCIATED WITH LISSENCEPHALY WHICH RESPONDED TO PANCAKARMA TREATMENT
Dr. Preetham Pai (BAMS MD)*
ABSTRACT
Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare, genetic, degenerative, neurometabolic disorder for which there is no cure. Lissencephaly is a congenital anamoly of the brain where there is absence or less number of gyri. This is a genetic condition hence it is incurable. In this particular case a 1 year and eight month old boy came to the pediatric opd with complaints of not able to sit without support, and not able to stand with/without support, crawl and speech impairement. Examination of central nervous system revealed that speech was affected. The child was able to utter only bisyllables. The motor system was affected. Examination of the upper and lower limb showed reduced muscle power, Grade III. Muscle tone was increased in the left upper limb Grade II. Rest all the limbs the tone and bulk were reduced. Reflexes were sluggish Grade I. Investigations: MRI of the brain was done. It was suggestive of Metachromatic leukodystrophy and lissencephaly. In Ayurveda we can diagnose this contition as amavrita sarvangavata vyadhi. Hence the treatment involves Bahya and Abyanthara snehana(oleation), swedana(sudation), sodhana (purifactory measures) and brihmana treatments and amahara usna thikshna chikitsa. After 17 days of treatment significant improvement was seen in the muscle tone and muscle power. The child also showed improvent in the motor mile stones. The child was able to sit with support and was able to crawl. The child was able to utter 3-4 words like mama, kaka etc. The treatment procedures and the oral medications improved the child‘s higher mental functions and motor functions.
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