ABSTRACT

Central nervous system is the most complex and largest part of the nervous system. It plays a crucial role in aligning the activities of all body parts and at risk of getting affected by various diseases or disorders. From numerous disorders of the central nervous system, Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is the one. Today’s article will throw light on the Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and how we can treat this in a natural way.

INTRODUCTION

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a disorder of the central nervous system that majorly affects the nerves of eyes (optic neuritis) and the spinal cord (myelitis). Mainly it occurs when the immune system begins to function abnormally and react against its own cells in the central nervous system, majorly in the spinal cord and optic nerves and sometimes in the brain also. NMOSD is also known as Devic’s disease or Neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

TYPES OF NMOSD

There are two types of NMOSD

  1. RELAPSING NMOSD
  2. MONOPHASIC NMOSD

1. RELAPSING NMOSD

This is the most common type of NMOSD in which initial attack of inflammation in the spinal cord and optic nerve takes place which is further followed by several attacks over a period of some years. In this, the patient may not be capable of recovering from damage of nerves caused by these attacks and the damage occurred is usually permanent. This can make the person permanently disable and occurs more frequently in females.

2. MONOPHASIC NMOSD

It is a rare condition in which a limited number of attacks are experienced over a long duration of days or weeks. The ratio of happening Monophasic NMOSD is equal in both males and females.

SYMPTOMS

NMOSD occurs most probably in adulthood, but can show symptoms at any age. Some people get a single attack of symptoms that last for a few months while in many people symptoms come and go over time. There is a variation in symptoms of this disease.

Some major signs and symptoms of NMOSD include:

  • Temporary loss of eyesight
  • Weakness in the legs or
  • paralysis in the legs
  • Abnormal sensations
  • Painful spasm
  • Intermittent vomiting and
  •  hiccups
  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction from spinal cord damage
  • Seizures
  • Confused mind
  • Swelling in optic disc

For safety purpose, person suffering from these conditions should not drive a vehicle due to weakened vision.

CAUSES

The exact cause of NMOSD is not known yet, although it is observed that most of the time it appears after an infection. Many people who developed this disease were already suffering from some other autoimmune disorders. There is also a possibility that Genetic factors can lead to this disease.

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose NMOSD, History taking is the first step. With the help of this you doctor will be able to communicate and ask your concern during physical examination. your doctor will ask your medical history and some symptoms after going through a physical examination.

Several Tests for Diagnosing NMOSD are

1. Neurological Examination

Patient’s muscle strength, movement, sensation, coordination, memory and thinking (cognitive) functions, and speech and vision is examined by a neurologist to check if these are in good condition or not. If detected in abnormal condition, furthers treatment is made.

2. MRI

In MRI, powerful magnets and radio waves are used to create a detailed view of brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. This imaging test makes the doctor able to detect lesions or any damaged area in the brain, spinal cord or optic nerves.

2. Stimuli Response Test

In this, an evoked response test is performed to check how well the brain makes responses to stimuli such as touch, sights or sounds. Examiners will attach small wires (electrodes) to the scalp area and in rare cases, on earlobes, arm, neck, back and leg. Attached equipment to the electrodes record the brain's response to stimuli and helpful for doctor to find lesions or damaged area in brain, optic nerve, spinal cord and nerves.

4. Blood tests

Blood tests are also performed by your doctor to detect an autoantibody NMO-IgG in the blood which helps the doctor to differentiate NMOSD from other neurological conditions. This test is very beneficial to detect NMOSD at early stages. Another test for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG) antibody is also used to check another inflammatory disorder that mimics NMOSD.

5. Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap)=

In this, a needle is inserted into the lower back to eject spinal fluid in a small amount as a sample. From this sample, doctors test the levels of antibodies, immune cells and proteins. In the condition of NMOSD, there is an increased level of white blood cells in spinal fluid observed.

COMPLICATIONS

NMOSD can lead to various other body disorders such as:

1. Breathing Problems

In severe patients of NMOSD, muscles may become weakened and affect the process of breathing. In serious situations, artificial ventilation is needed by the patient.

2. Erectile and Sexual Dysfunction

Difficulty in getting or maintaining erection may develop due to NMOSD in men while, both women and men may suffer from difficulty in achieving an orgasm.

3. Depression

Depression may occur in the patient due to mental strain of living with NMOSD.

4. Fragile Bones

Bones become fragile as a side effect of using steroids for long-term. Tiny pores may take place in the bones which make the bones weaker and even lead to fracture.

4. Permanent Vision Loss

In patients of NMOSD, there is increased risk of losing vision permanently   because of damage in the optic nerve.

5. Paralysis

Limb paralysis may develop due to damage of spinal cord in the patients of NMOSD.

TREATMENT

In modern science, there is no effective treatment for NMOSD. There are some preventive measures only which are not much sufficient and not enough in giving positive results. There are also some modern medicines which have more side effects than their positive results, so it is not worth choosing a modern system of medicines if you are suffering from NMOSD.

But don’t worry, being the oldest and traditional system of medicines, Ayurveda system has some natural herbs which are very helpful in getting rid from Neuromyelitis optica syndrome disorder. Ayurvedic medicines work in a natural manner to treat the exact cause of disease and don’t show any side-effect in the patient's body.

After many years of research, study and by following basic principles of Ayurveda PLANET AYURVEDA prepared some formulations which support you in treating NMOSD in a natural way. Planet Ayurveda manufactures all of their medicines in their own manufacturing unit under the guidance of MD Ayurveda Doctors who believe in the naturality of medicines and prevent the use of any color, preservative, starch, additive or any synthetic chemical which can harm your health. Take a look on formulations made by Planet Ayurveda to help patients suffering from acute or chronic NMOSD conditions.

HERBAL MEDICINES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

  1. 1. Angle Eye Vitale
  2. Curcumin capsules
  3. Ashwagandha capsules
  4. Bilberry capsules
  5. Kaishore Guggul
  6. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  7. Brahmi vati Gold tab

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Angle Eye Vitale

Angle eye vitale capsules by Planet Ayurveda consist of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta carotene, zinc, lutein, copper, zeaxanthin, bilberry and astaxanthin. These capsules have a wonderful positive impact on the patients suffering from eye disorders and maintain eye health of eyes.

Dosage: 1 capsule, two times during the day, after meals.

2. Curcumin capsules

It is a traditional herbal supplement containing Turmeric as the main biologically active compound. Curcumin has been described by Ayurveda for thousands of years as it is used in treating numerous ailments and very effective in treating cancer also.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with normal water, after meals.

3. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules manufactured in the house of Planet Ayurveda includes pure extract of Ashwagandha which is known for its multiple medicinal uses such as improving mental ability, muscle endurance, building stamina, increasing sperm count and also in enhancing sexual capability of an individual.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice during the day with normal water, after meals.

4. Bilberry Capsules

Planet Ayurveda prepared Bilberry capsules by standardized extract of Vaccinum myrtillus herb which is beneficial for overall health by preventing diseases such as angina, atherosclerosis, stroke, and many others. Our capsules are effective in strengthening the walls of blood vessels, relieving hemorrhoids, inhibiting the growth of both colon cancer cells and leukemia.

Dosage: 1 capsule, thrice in a day after meals with plain water.

5. Kaishore Guggul

Natural herbs such as

  • Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
  • Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
  • Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica)
  • Guduchi (Commiphoramukul)

Many other ingredients are utilized in Kaishore Guggul tablets. These tablets are favorable in reducing inflammation, uric acid, arthritis, gout, constipation, diabetes and many other life-threatening diseases.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with normal water, after meals.

6. VrihatVatchintamani Ras

VrihatVatchintamani Ras consists of Swarna bhasma, Abhrakabhasma, Rajatabhasma, Lohabhasma, Pravalabhasma, Sutabhasma, and many other ingredients. These tablets are used in the treatment of diseases caused due to VataDosha such as paralysis, facial palsy, hemiplegia, tremors etc.

Dosage: 125 mg, twice a day with normal water, after meals.

7. Brahmi vati tablets

Brahmi vati tablets by Planet Ayurveda are processed with high standard extract of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) herb which is known for its property of maintaining proper functioning of brain and liver. These tablets also reduce inflammation, swelling, and redness and treat hypoglycemia.

Dosage: 2 tablets, twice a day with milk, after meals.

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

CONCLUSION

As we read, NMOSD is a life-threatening disease which can annoy you for a lifetime. To get rid from this disease and maintain good health of the central nervous system, it is preferred to consume the above given Ayurvedic medicines as they are sufficient for NMOSD as well as treat many other diseases also. Ayurvedic medicines contain herbs which don’t have any side-effects and work in a synergistic manner to make you healthy. 

Author's Bio: 

Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurveda) is an expert Ayurvedic Doctor based in Chandigarh, India, and doing his practice in Mohali, India. He is spreading the knowledge of Ayurveda - Ancient healing treatment, not only in India but also abroad. He is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Products, Planet Ayurveda Clinic, and Krishna Herbal Company. For more info visit our website: www.planetayurveda.com