What is Cauda Equina Syndrome?- Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Neurological disorders are very emerging nowadays and these kinds of issues cause nerve impairment, numbness, or pain in joints. It is a serious health concern that may cause complications in the future and cause more harm to the body. Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which there is excessive pressure and swelling of nerves at the end of the spinal cord.  In this article, we are going to discuss Cauda Equina Syndrome, Ayurvedic correlation as well as Ayurvedic treatment of this disorder.

Introduction

Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare medical condition in which the nerves at the end of the spinal cord (Cauda Equina) are damaged. Excessive back pain is seen in these kinds of cases. Compression of the spinal nerve root is there and as per complications permanent paralysis of the legs is seen in these kinds of cases.  Radiating pain in the legs, numbness in limbs, urine retention, incontinence, numbness and weakness in the legs, thighs, pelvic region, etc, severe pain in the back, legs, sexual dysfunction, etc are some of the symptoms of Cauda Equina syndrome. Majorly it is a birth anomaly and other causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome herniated discs, history of spinal lesions, history of spinal tumours, any kind of past health-related disorders (tuberculosis, narrowing of the spinal canal, history of neurological problems), history of any kind of spinal infections or inflammation, any kind of lumbar spinal stenosis, trauma or injuries on the back (car accident or injury while playing). Medical history, physical examination, X-ray, blood tests, nerve conduction test, urine analysis, and MRI are some of the diagnostic tests for Cauda Equina Syndrome.

The Ayurvedic Aspect of Disease

According to Ayurveda Cauda Equina Syndrome, there is vitiation of Vata dosha in the body and due to Vata dosha, there is stiffness in the body, pain in the lower back, numbness in limbs, etc. The ayurvedic herbal formulation helps in the pacification of Vata dosha in the body and with dietary and lifestyle modification we can easily help in balancing the dosha in the body.

Symptoms of Cauda Equina Syndrome

The symptoms of Cauda Equina syndrome are listed below

1. Radiating pain in the legs.
2. Numbness in limbs
3. Urine retention and incontinence
4. Numbness and weakness in legs, thighs, pelvic region, etc.
5. Severe pain in back, legs, etc
6. Sexual dysfunction

Causes of Cauda Equina Syndrome

The causes of cauda equina syndrome are listed below

1. Herniated discs
2. History of spinal lesions
3. History of spinal tumours
4. Any kind of past health-related disorders (tuberculosis, narrowing of spinal canal, history of neurological problems)
5. History of any kind of spinal infections or inflammation
6. Any kind of lumbar spinal stenosis
7. Trauma or injuries to the back (car accident or injury while playing)
8. Birth abnormalities (congenital)
9. Spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
10. Spinal haemorrhages
11. Complications after lumbar surgeries
12. Spinal anaesthesia (history)

Diagnosis of Cauda Equina Syndrome

The diagnosis for Cauda Equina Syndrome is listed below

1. Medical history
2. Physical examination
3. X-ray
4. Blood tests
5. Nerve conduction test
6. Urine analysis
7. MRI
8. CT scan

Treatment of  Cauda Equina Syndrome

The Treatment for Cauda Equina Syndrome is listed below:-

1. Antibiotics
2. Analgesics
3. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy if any kind of tumor
4. Occupational therapy
5. Physical therapy
6. Surgery

Prevention of Cauda Equina Syndrome

1. Avoid high heels
2. Avoid smoking
3. Regular exercise
4. Maintain a normal weight
5. Practice if lifting or yoga postures you do

Facts to Know about Cauda Equina Syndrome

1. Cauda Equina Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder.
2. This Cauda Equina Syndrome was first mentioned in 1934.
3. Most of the people affected every year are  1 in 70,000.
4. 20% is the success rate for the Treatment of Cauda Equina Syndrome.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Cauda Equina Syndrome

Ayurvedic herbal formulations are very advantageous in resolving the disease from the root cause and aid in a healthy life. Planet Ayurveda has been a worldwide established firm for 20 years and all the herbal formulations are manufactured under Ayurvedic board guidelines. This corporation provides Ayurvedic herbal formulations which are extracted from pure raw material.  The results of this herbal formulation are very optimistic since for 20 years, these Ayurvedic medicines are 100% natural and pure vegetarian, and free from chemicals and additives. Planet Ayurveda furnishes high-quality Ayurvedic formulations with lifestyle and dietary precautions. Planet Ayurveda provides the best Ayurvedic medicines to treat the imbalanced tri dosha. Ayurvedic medicines are advantageous in reducing the risk of recurrence of disease and cause no side effects of the treatment as it is pure plant-based extracts. Planet Ayurveda strictly follows the government guidelines for making its product the best.

Herbal Remedies for Cauda Equina Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

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

Product Description

1. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is a classical herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda in the form of Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras that contains  Swarna Bhasma (gold calx), Rajata Bhasma (silver calx), Abhrak Bhasma (mica ash), Loha Bhasma (iron ash), Praval Bhasma (coral calcium), Mukta Bhasma (pearl calx) and Suta Bhasma (compound of purified mercury and purified sulphur), etc. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is very effective in the pacification of Vata dosha in the body and helps in relieving disorders like trigeminal neuralgia, spinal cord demyelination, etc. It is very advantageous in Cauda Equina Syndrome.

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

2. Trayodashang guggul

Trayodashang guggul is a polyherbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda that contains Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Babool (Acacia arabica), Hauber (Juniperus communis), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Gokhru (Tribulus Terrestris), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), etc. Trayodashang guggul is advantageous in the pacification of Vata dosha in the body that aids in spondylitis with spinal inflammation, arthritis, sciatica, cauda equina syndrome, stiffness in joints, etc.

Dosage: – Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water.

3. Ashwagandharishta

Ashwagandharisht is the polyherbal liquid formulation by Planet Ayurveda, it is a mixture of many herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Safed Musli (Chlorophytum tuberosum), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), etc.  Ashwagandharisht has shown auspicious results in stress and anxiety. It is very effective in pacifying the Vata dosha in the body.

Dosage: – 2 teaspoons twice a day after meals with an equal amount of water.

4. Boswellia curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is a formulation from Planet Ayurveda that consists of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Boswellia Curcumin is the best anti-inflammatory drug as it helps reduce the inflammation of the body. Boswellia Curcumin has the best effects on osteoarthritis, and Crohn’s disease and reduces brain edema and rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellia Curcumin helps in removing morning stiffness and also helps in reducing pain and swelling of the back.

Dosage: – 1 capsule twice daily, after a meal with plain water.

5. Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras

Maha Vatvidhwansan Ras is a herbomineral formulation by Planet Ayurveda that 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), etc. It helps in strengthening tendons, ligaments, and bones.  It also gives relief to various disorders such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout, cauda equina syndrome, and other joint diseases. It aids in balancing the Vata dosha in our body and aids in relieving neurological functions that are hampered due to cauda equina syndrome.

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

6. Dashmularisht

Dashmularisht is a classical preparation that contains Dashmoola that is  Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Gambhari (Gmelina Arborea), Patola (Stereospermum suaveolens), Agnimantha (Premna integrifolia), Badi Kateri (Solanum Indicum), Prishnparni (Uraria picta), Sonapatha (Oroxylum Indicum), Kateri (Solanum surattense), Gokshur (Tribulus Terrestris), etc. It has various properties such as anti-arthritic, analgesics, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-dysentery, and antifungal. It aids in the pacification of Vata dosha in the body and thus aids in treating cauda equina syndrome.

Dosage: – Two teaspoons twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.

7. Agnitundi Vati

Agnitundi Vati is a herbal formulation manufactured by Planet Ayurveda that contains 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 is advantageous in various digestion-related health issues, reducing stiffness, enhancing the digestive fire, and helping in the pacification of Vata and pitta dosha in the body.

Dosage: – Two tsp twice a day with lukewarm water.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed in detail Cauda Equina Syndrome. According to Ayurveda vitiated Vata dosha cause this problem and by the pacification of Vata dosha, we can manage the condition due to this disorder. We have discussed some herbal formulation that helps in the pacification of Vata dosha in the body and with dietary and lifestyle modification we can easily help in balancing the dosha in the body.