What is Cauda Equina Syndrome? - How Can it be Treated with Ayurveda

Abstract

Cauda equina syndrome is an uncommon condition linked to large, space occupying lesions in the lumbosacral spine. The syndrome is manifested with many different patterns of sciatica, lower backache, bladder and bowel dysfunction and lower extremity sensorimotor loss. The pathophysiology of Cauda equina syndrome remains unclear but may be due to mechanical compression of the nerve roots that compose cauda equina or through venous congestion or ischemia. Because of the subtle signs and symptoms, early diagnosis is usually missed. Full blown syndrome has some serious problems associated with urinary and bowel retention and lower extremity pain and paresthesia etc. In Ayurveda, the condition can be correlated with vata vyadhi and manovahas strotas dushti. Vata gets vitiated in Cauda Equina Syndrome. In the text below, we shall discuss some details of Cauda Equina Syndrome and its management in the contemporary medicine system and ayurvedic management as well.

Introduction

Cauda Equina is an anatomical term given to the tailbone. It is a term used for the lower part of the spinal column. It arises from the nerve roots that emerge at or below L1 to S4. Cauda equina contains many nerve fibres responsible for sensation and voluntary control of muscles. Cauda equina syndrome refers to the compression of the nerves at this place which results in many problems from numbness in lower extremities to the abnormal control of urinary bladder and bowel function. It is related to vata vyadhi in Ayurveda. Furthermore, manovaha sroto dusti is considered in cauda equina syndrome as loss of sensation is a prime feature of manovaha srotas dushti. Let’s know some more about the Cauda Equina syndrome!!

Causes of Cauda Equina

1. Herniated discs due to degeneration are one of the main reasons for Cauda Equina Syndrome.
2. Tumour of the spinal column.
3. Tuberculosis of the vertebral column.
4. Infections like osteomyelitis etc.
5. Fracture due to trauma like a fall or road traffic accidents.
6. Narrowing of the spinal canal is another reason.
7. Rheumatoid Arthritis.
8. Iatrogenic : Any prior anaesthesia, orthopaedics and neurosurgical procedures.

Signs and Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome

1. Lumbar disc herniation will cause radiating pain in the legs. It might be associated with pricking with a needle-like sensation before numbness.
2. Urine and bowel dysfunction which either results in retention or incontinence.
3. Gradual problems in the lower extremities, including loss of or altered sensation between the legs, over the buttocks, the inner thighs and back of the legs (saddle area), and feet and heels.
4. Paresthesia and numbness of the aforesaid parts.
5. Severe pain can be experienced by the patient.
6. Sexual dysfunction.

Diagnosis

An X ray, Magnetic Resonance Index (MRI) and CT scan shows herniated disc or fracture or any other anatomical or structural abnormality, thus these imaging techniques help in diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Management

• Treatment of underlying treatment is required such as in infective conditions antibiotics are indicated. Anti Inflammatory medications in inflammatory conditions. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy in tumours. Analgesics are given to alleviate pain.
• If the symptoms do not subside then surgery is indicated.
• Surgical decompression is done according to the persisting condition.
• Drainage, laminectomy,  fixation of the fracture and removal of the foreign body are the aims of treatment in order to overcome compression.
  
  

Herbal Remedies for Cauda Equina Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned GMP certified, US-FDA registered and ISO 9001:2015 certified Ayurvedic Company, which adhered to the objective of manufacturing standard Ayurvedic medicines as described in the various ancient texts of Ayurveda. Medicines are produced without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals which cause many ill effects on the human body. Formulations prepared at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any adulteration. Planet Ayurveda has prepared magnificent medicines that cures Cauda Equina Syndrome by providing nutrition to the bone as well as strengthening the nervous system and rejuvenating the damaged nerves.

Following are The Formulations That Help in Treating The Cauda Equina Syndrome

1. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
2. Trayodashang guggul
3. Ashwagandharisht
4. Boswellia curcumin
5. Mahavat Vidhwansan ras
6. Dashmularisht
7. Agnitundi vati 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

It is a mineral formulation that contains Swarna Bhasma (gold calx), Rajat Bhasma (silver calx), Abhrak Bhasma (mica ash), Loha Bhasma (iron ash), Pravala Bhasma (coral calcium), Mukta Bhasma (pearl calx) and Suta Bhasma (compound of purified mercury and purified sulphur). Juice extract. It is beneficial in spinal cord demyelination conditions. It helps in neuropathies. It relieves neuritis. It is also beneficial in dementia. Further it aids anxiety, restlessness and depression. Furthermore it is beneficial in male sexual health problems. It relieves trigeminal neuralgia. It is useful in cervical and lumbar spondylosis and spondylitis.

Dosage: one tablet twice a day after meals with plain water.

2. Trayodashang Guggul

It contains guggul (Commiphora mukul), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), babool (Acacia arabica), hauber (Juniperus communis), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), gokhru (Tribulus terrestris), saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), nishotha kala (Operculina turpethum), ginger (Zingiber offinale), kachur (Curcuma zedoaria), ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) . It is used in the treatment of spondylitis with spinal inflammation and arthritis. It is also useful in inflammation of joints. It helps in alleviating pain due to stiffness. It 8is further beneficial in hemiplegia and paraplegia or other paralytic conditions. It is helpful in sciatica. Thus, it has a good effect on Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Dosage : 2 tablets twice a day with lukewarm water.

3. Ashwagandharisht

Ashwagandharisht is a blend of many impressive herbs. Its main ingredient is ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Further, is has beauty of safed musli (Chlorophytum tuberosum), arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), daru haldi (Berberis aristata), vacha (Acorus calamus) and many other.  It is used in stress or anxiety due to medical conditions. It pacifies vata, thus helpful in Cauda Equina Syndrome. It further helps in male sexual dysfunctions as the aforesaid condition can severely affect the reproduvctive system. Moreover, ashwagandharisht is beneficial in alleviating bone related pain.

Dosage :  2 tsp twice a day after meals with equal quantity of water. 

4. Boswellia Curcumin

It is formulated with the goodness of shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). They both fight infection and have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus it is useful in infectious conditions that lead to Cauda Equina Syndrome. It is useful in healing. Therefore, it has been providing much relief in the aforesaid syndrome.

Dosage : One capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

5. Mahavat Vidhwansan ras

It is a herbomineral formulation with a number of minerals and herbs blended  together. It contains shuddha parada (purified mercury), shuddha gandhaka (purified sulphur), vanga bhasma (tin calx), abhrak bhasma (calx of purified mica), tankan bhasma (calx of borax), tamra bhasma (calx of copper), lauh bhasma (iron calx), naga bhasma (calx of lead), black pepper (Piper nigrum), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), shuddha vatsanabha (purified Aconitum ferox), pippali (Piper longum). Above said herbs are grinded with the juice of the following.

Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), bhringraj (Eclipta alba), arkksheera (Calotropis procera), nimbu swaras (lemon juice) etc. It is beneficial, as provide nutrients and strength to tendons, ligaments and bones. Therefore it is very useful in curing Cauda Equina Syndrome. It is advantageous in osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout and other joint disorders. It pacifies vata, hence improving the neurological functions hampered by Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Dosage : one tablet twice a day after meals with plain water.

6. Dashmularisht

It is a blend of numerous herbs. Dashmoola are the main ingredients of the formulation. It contains bilva (Aegle marmelos), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), patola (Stereospermum suaveolens), agnimantha (Premna integrifolia), badi kateri (Solanum indicum), prishniparni (Uraria picta), sonapatha (Oroxylum indicum), kateri (Solanum surattense), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) etc. it has anti arthritic, analgesics, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-dysentery, anti-fungal and various other properties. It provides relief from the troublesome symptoms caused by Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Dosage : 2 tsp twice daily after meals with plain water.

7. Agnitundi Vati

It is a useful formulation for digestion related issues. It is composed of  amalaki (Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), pippali (Piper longum), black pepper (Piper nigrum) and vidanga (Embelia ribes). Agnitundi vati relieves pain caused by vata vitiation as it pacifies vata dosha. It is also beneficial in relieving stiffness caused by Cauda Equina Syndrome. It increases digestive fire, which further helps in proper absorption of nutrients that are required in overcoming the deficiencies. Agnitundi vati is useful in Cauda Equina Syndrome. By relieving pain due to muscle stiffness in the lower back caused by various injuries.

Dosage : 2 tablets twice a day with lukewarm water.

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Conclusion

As we have discussed about Cauda Equina Syndrome and its severity, itbis important to take good preventive measures to stay safe from the aforesaid disease. It can be prevented with taking proper care about health and taking a proper nutritious diet that supports bone, muscles, tendons and ligaments. As mentioned earlier, no proper medical treatment exists in the contemporary system of medicine but the surgical intervention and that too is risky and full of post surgical complications.

Whereas in Ayurveda, There are herbs which relieve pain, promote neurological wellness, treat neuropathies and bone problems. Furthermore, there are herbal and herbomineral formulations, which overall provide basic nutrition for complete wellness of the bone and its related structure. By providing support and strength to the musculoskeletal system,these formulations heal the injuries, treat associated diseases and relieve symptoms associated with respective disorders. Formulations mentioned above prepared by Planet Ayurveda are providing  magnificent results in Cauda Equina Syndrome.