Ayurvedic Management Successfully Reduces Dose of L-Dopa and Remission of Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease – (A Case Report)

Abstract

Background and Aim: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition of motor nervous system. The symptoms of PD are similar to KampaVata (a disease of Vata Dosha) such as Karapadatala kampa (tremors in hands and foot), Dehabhramana (postural instability), Nidrabhagna (insomnia) and Matiksheena (dementia) referred by Ayurvedic classics. The most effective management of PD in Allopathic system is dopamine replacement therapy but long-term use of L-Dopa is associated with motor complications. Available medications for PD provides only symptomatic relief and there is no treatment proven to cure the disease or delay its progression. The present case report is a known case of young onset asymmetric Parkinsonism who was on 700mg L-Dopa, managed with Ayurveda therapies. The line of treatment included Vatanulomana (pacifying morbid VataDosa), Srotoshodhana (clearing of the obstructed bodychannels) and Rasayana (rejuvenation). Management and results: It included both internal and external Ayurveda therapies. Therapies were performed every year for around 20 days in 3 consecutive years. The assessment was done by Parkinson's disease questionnaire 39 and Schwab and England Activities of daily Living scale. Reduction in the dose of L-Dopa, improvement in tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, regaining the perception of taste and smell was observed at the end of 3 years of treatment. Conclusion: The dose of L-Dopa was reduced from 700mg to 100mg/day and the quality of life improved.