Ayurvedic Management of Spinocerebellar Ataxia

Abstract

Ataxias constitute a heterogeneous group of inherited and acquired neurological disorders, manifesting either as pure cerebellar ataxia or in association with other neurological and systemic features. Despite extensive investigations, a substantial proportion of cases remain idiopathic. Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a progressive, degenerative genetic disorder characterized by cerebellar dysfunction, for which no definitive or curative treatment is currently available in contemporary medicine. Ayurvedic Management is therefore primarily aimed at symptomatic relief and improvement in quality of life. A 41-year-old female patient clinically diagnosed with spinocerebellar ataxia was treated using a comprehensive Panchakarma based therapeutic approach, including Mustadi Rajyapana Basti, and Shashtika Shali Pinda Swedan administered over a period of 20 days. These procedures were complemented with Ayurvedic medications, namely Panchtikhta Ghritta Guggulu, Ashwagandha Churan and Dashmoola Kwath. Clinical assessment was carried out using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) along with detailed neurological examination. Post-treatment evaluation demonstrated a marked reduction in SARA scores from 25 to 6, along with significant improvement in gait, coordination, balance, and overall functional capacity. The patient also reported a notable enhancement in quality of life.