What Is Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome? Cause, Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

The hands are the most important thing a man or  a woman needs after legs. Actually both lower and upper extremities are important. But what if you are being hit by a condition that is hampering your ability to do work with your hands. Does it affect your life? Yes, it does and very badly. That’s why one should take care of whatever unusual they are noticing in their body because a small thing can become a very big issue in a very short span of time. In this article also we are going to discuss a condition which  hampers the functioning of Palmaris Brevis muscle. Let’s discuss in detail about  Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome in detail and about the Ayurvedic formulations which can help in this condition.

Introduction

Palmaris Brevis spasm syndrome is a rare benign condition which is featured by the localised hyperactivity of Palmaris Brevis. Palmaris Brevis is a small muscle of variant morphology which originates from the palmar aponeurosis to insert in the skin or fascia of the medial palm. This muscle resides in the hypothenar eminence and this syndrome is believed to be as a result of compressive irritation of motor fibres. These motor fibres arise from the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve. This compressive irritation results in the spontaneous, involuntary contractions of palmaris brevis muscle.

Facts regarding Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome

1. Palamaris brevis is a muscle in the hypothenar eminence
2. The constant compressive irritation of motor fibres of the superficial branch of the ulnar nerve.
3. In the 3% population the palmaris Brevis muscle is absent
4. In Ayurveda this condition is understood as the excess of vata dosha in the hypothenar eminence and thus creating compression on motor fibres of the ulnar nerve.
5. Ayurveda has many amazing herbs for such conditions like ashwagandha, brahmi, haridra, bala and others which also include certain minerals in purified form.

Causes of Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome

1. The causes of Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome includes the following:

Overuse of palmaris brevis: Performing activities in which there is recurrent formation of fist like weight lifting etc can cause this condition. This is also called Occupational condition. The musicians and writers are mostly affected by this condition. As these two professions require a lot of practice that’s how repetitive exploitation of the muscle results in the damage to ulnar nerve fibres thus occurrence of  Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome.

2. The condition may also occur due to any injury to the particular area.

If understood from the view point of Ayurveda then Palmaris brevis is a condition which is due to aggravation of vata dosha. As mentioned in the modern article, overuse of the muscle causes aggravation of vata at the particular site, thus damaging degenerative processes start.

Symptoms of Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome

The symptoms include the spontaneous, involuntary or irregular contraction of palmaris muscle. These symptoms are generally triggered by the excessive usage of  hypothenar muscles. Moreover, symptoms like untimely stiffness and others are also there which are generally noticed.

Diagnosis of Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome

The condition is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms. As the spontaneous and involuntary contractions are seen in palmaris brevis, this symptom is enough to diagnose this condition.  But still further tests are generally performed like EMG (Electromyography) which shows high frequency discharges of the motor units. These are often prolonged and recurrent along with normal amplitude, duration and morphology.

This may start with on off involuntary contractions like once or twice in a week. With continued exposure to stress and strain, wear and tear the frequency will increase gradually.

Treatment for Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome

The treatment for Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome includes the following:

Firstly conservative treatment is guided like cessation of too much using the muscle. Some muscle relaxants can be prescribed as well.

If the condition is getting worse day by day then injections of botulinum toxin are generally guided. They help in covering up the prolonged involuntary muscle contractions. The target for this injection are the entire rostral caudal extent of the palmaris brevis muscle and avoid the underlying muscles of the hypothenar eminence.
That is the only way in modern science for controlling or managing this condition.

Now let’s move on to the part, how Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome can be managed in Ayurveda?

Ayurvedic view point of Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome

• As mentioned earlier, Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome is the result of aggravated vata dosha at the peculiar site. As the vata dosha aggravates symptoms like spontaneous involuntary movements are generally noticed in this case. The aggravated vata dosha can be settled or pacified easily by vata shamak chikitsa. Vata shamak chikitsa includes various formulations of ghrita base, liquid base, capsule or tablet base which can help in Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome.
  Single herbs which are of use in this condition are ashwagndha for nerve strengthening, brahmi pacification especially, Calx of minerals like swarna, rajat, tamra, shuddh parad, shuddh gandhak etc are also used in preparation of many formulations, thus provides desirable results.
• Moreover, there are certain oil preparations as well which can be given in this condition. The oil preparations like dhanvantari oil, bala ashwagandha oil works fantastically in this condition. Else certain arisht preparations like saraswatarisht, kwath preparations like rasanadi kwath and many others.
• Sudation before massaging can also work in this condition.

Herbal formulations by Planet Ayurveda for Palmaris Brevis Spasm Syndrome

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing company which has set its roots in various parts of the world. The formulations manufactured by Planet Ayurveda are very effective and are easy to consume. All the formulations prepared by our company are totally herbal and do not have any type of additives, dyes, adulterants and taste enhancers. The manufacturing of the products are done under the guidance of MD Ayurveda experts who have experience with many patients. For a condition like Palmaris Brevis spasm syndrome following are the formulations that can be given.

Product description

1. Neurogenie Capsules

Neurogenie capsules are the patent formulation of Planet Ayurveda which have only two ingredients that are brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These two ingredients are very effective in balancing the imbalance of vata dosha going on inside the body. The palmaris brevis is a condition in which there can be the involvement of nerves as well. But with this formulation the entire nervous system can be strengthened and hence impressive results are seen in this condition. The capsules have standard extract of herbs and  are totally vegetarian. They can be used by any age group in a variation of doses.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Ashwagandhaghan Vati

Ashwagandhaghan vati is an impressive formulation which is exclusively prepared with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) ghan (a semi liquid consistency of herb extract). The formulation has amazing effects in pacification of vata and has a very impressive effect on strengthening the body’s various systems like nervous system, muscles etc. Ashwagndahghan vati also has its impact in improving digestion and also calms down the entire nervous excitement too. In case of any inflammation and swelling the swelling works really well and thus provides positive results in a short span of time. Along with vata dosha the formulation also balances kapha dosha in our body which is mildly responsible for stiffness in this condition.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras

Maha vatvidhwansan ras a classical formulation which is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for all types of vataj rogas. The formulation has a variety of ingredients like shuddha parad (Purified mercury), shuddha gandhak (Purified sulphur), Naga bhasma (Lead calx), Loha bhasma (Iron calx), Tamra bhasma (Copper calx), Abhrak bhasma (Purified mica) and many others. The formulation is a typical herbo mineral formulation which can be given in any age group with varying doses. The formulation has its impact in strengthening the bones and joints, it is an excellent analgesic and has anti inflammatory effect. In various types of colicky pains which are responsible for motion restriction, this formulation is used.

Dosage: One tablet twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

4. Balarisht

Balarisht is a liquid preparation which is prepared with the process of fermentation. The formulation is mentioned in the classics and has ingredients like bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagndha (Withania somnifera), Erand mool (Ricinus communis), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) and many others. The balarisht mainly has bala and ashwagandha. The formulation has very impressive results in the vata imbalance and neurological conditions. In conditions like Palmaris brevis spasm syndrome this formulation gives impressive results by working on a variety of symptoms thus providing relief. This formulation is a good nervine tonic, has its positive impact on digestion as well and has quick absorption into the system due to its liquid consistency.

Dosage: Two tsp twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

5. Vata Balance

Vata balance is a formulation patent to Planet Ayurveda. It is a prepared with standardised extract of herbs like Bilwa (Aegle marmelos), Shyonak (Oroxylum indicum), Patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and many others. The vata balance is a formulation which is exclusively for balancing the imbalance vata dosha in the body. As the dosha has chaal guna, it is responsible for many movements going on inside the body (voluntary and involuntary). Once its imbalance happens there are multiple problems that start occurring either one after another or all at once like pains, restricted movements etc. In such conditions this formulation is of great importance.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

Conclusion

The Palmaris brevis spasm syndrome is one of the conditions which are being diagnosed when it becomes chronic or the patient is facing too much trouble in day to day life. In such conditions Ayurveda is a very impressive and great choice, why? Because you can correct your mistakes naturally without going through any type of side effects. That is the beauty of Ayurveda. Ayurveda has answers to each and every question, you just need to dig deeper.