AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF A PATIENT WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS: A CASE REPORT

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system causing variable neurological disability. From an Ayurvedic perspective, its manifestations may be interpreted predominantly through Vāta involvement, with Majjā Dhātu impairment, Āvaraṇa, and Dhātu-kṣaya contributing to neurological dysfunction. Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the clinical response of an individualized Ayurvedic treatment protocol in a patient with long-standing MS, focusing on lower-limb weakness, stiffness, balance, and functional disability. Materials and Methods: A 42-year-old male with a 19-year history of episodic neurological symptoms presented with progressive difficulty in walking and stair climbing, bilateral lower-limb weakness, stiffness, tremor, and impaired balance. Ayurvedic assessment revealed predominant Vāta involvement with Majjā Dhātu involvement, Āvaraṇa, and Dhātu-kṣaya. Treatment included Rukṣa Chūrṇa Piṇḍa Sveda, Takradhāra, Virecana, Sarvāṅga Abhyaṅga, Śāṣṭika Śāli Piṇḍa Sveda, and Mustādi Rājayāpana Kāla Basti, along with oral Śamana Auṣadhis. Outcomes were assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), clinical parameters, and MRI findings where available. Results: After two months of treatment, improvement was observed in lower-limb function, stiffness, balance, and mobility. Changes in EDSS, BBS, and MAS indicated improvement in functional status and muscle tone. Conclusion: An individualized Ayurvedic multimodal approach may provide supportive benefits in managing neurological disability and functional impairment associated with long-standing MS. Controlled studies with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are warranted.