Ayurvedic understanding and management of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in light of Amavata: An experience

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder of the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) that sometimes can be life-threatening. An autoimmune response, often triggered by a preceding bacterial or viral infection, leads to the production of antibodies that attack the myelin sheath of the PNS, causing inflammation and later demyelination, eventually leading to the rapid onset of ascending muscle weakness. In Ayurveda, GBS is often managed as per the principle of management of Vatavyadhi (~disorders caused by vitiated Vata dosha ). The present case study showcases the efficacy of Ayurvedic management of GBS in the line of management of Amavata (~rheumatism due to Ama [toxic byproduct generated due to improper or incomplete digestion]). An attempt was made to understand the pathophysiology of GBS in terms of Amavata samprapti (~pathogenesis of Amavata ), and treatment modalities of Amavata were adopted in treating this case. A 44-year-old female patient was brought to the Outpatient Department on a wheelchair with complaints of weakness in all four limbs for eight days, which was anteceded by episodes of loose stools 15 days back. Based on the history, clinical features, and clinical examination, the diagnosis of GBS was made. Initially, Amapachana (~digestion of Ama ) by Langhana (~depleting therapy) and Pachana (~enhancing digestion) was done, followed by Kalabasti (~course of sixteen therapeutic enemas). At the end of the treatment, the patient could walk without support along with a significant reduction in the associated symptoms such as numbness, heaviness, reduced appetite, and fullness of the abdomen. The case report inferred that the treatment approach based on the principles of Amavata was found to be effective in the management of GBS, and further clinical studies may be planned with a sufficient sample size to establish the efficacy of the therapeutic protocol.