AYURVEDA TREATMENT APPROACH FOR LIMB-GIRDLE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY: A CASE REPORT ON SIGNIFICANT SYMPTOMATIC AND BIOCHEMICAL IMPROVEMENTS

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) is a genetically heterogeneous, progressive neuromuscular disorder under Muscular Dystrophies (MD), marked by the degeneration and weakening of limb-girdle muscles, causing significant functional disability. Despite advances in modern medicine, treatment remains palliative, with no definitive cure or disease-modifying therapy. Current pharmacological and rehabilitative approaches offer limited symptomatic relief, without halting disease progression or restoring muscle function. This case report presents a 49-year-old male diagnosed with LGMD, managed through a comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment plan including oral medications and Panchakarma therapies. Assessment focused on pain, walking ability, muscle strength, reflexes, and specialized neurological parameters. Investigations such as Serum Creatine Phosphatase (CPK), CPK-MB levels, and electromyography (EMG) were used to evaluate muscle and nerve function. According to Ayurveda, this condition falls under Vata vyadhi and is explained through adhi bala pravritta vyadhi (congenital disorders) due to beeja bhaga avayava dushti (hereditary defects), leading to Mamsagata Vata dushti (muscle and neuromuscular impairment), resulting in progressive muscle dysfunction. Over 1 year and 7 months of Ayurvedic management, the patient showed marked clinical improvement. Notably, CPK levels significantly reduced from 813 U/L to 23.8 U/L. At a routine follow-up on September 22, 2020 nearly a year later, CPK levels remained at 23.8 U/L, indicating sustained improvement. This case highlights the potential of Ayurvedic intervention in managing progressive neuromuscular disorders like LGMD, offering promising results in functional recovery and biochemical improvement.