Cortico Basal Degeneration is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving cerebral cortex and basal ganglion which is characterized by cell loss and deterioration of specific areas of the brain. Affected individuals often initially experience motor abnormalities in one limb that eventually spread to affect all the arms and legs. Such motor abnormalities include motor rigidity and the inability to perform purposeful or voluntary movements. Affected individuals may have sufficient muscle power for manual tasks,but often have difficulty in directing their movements appropriately.It is characterized by marked disorders in movement and cognitive dysfunction and is classified as one of the Parkinson’s Plus syndromes.

Causes:

The exactunderlying cause of Cortico Basal Degeneration is unknown. The symptoms of Cortico Basal Degeneration develop due to the progressive deterioration of tissue in different areas of the brain mainly cerebral cortex &basal ganglia leading to atrophy or shrinkage in specific lobes of the brain.

In Ayurveda, we can consider CBD as Avaranaja Vatavyadhi.

Signs and symptoms:

The symptoms, progression,severity and presentation of CBD can vary greatly from one individual to another. It is important to note that affected individuals may have one or some or all of the symptoms mentioned below:

• Progressive asymmetric rigidity.
• Apraxia(Inability to make voluntary movements with affected limb).
• Alien limb syndrome(unable to control movement of a limb).
• Have sufficient muscle power for manual task but have difficulty in directing their movements appropriately.
• Difficulty in coordinative movements.
• Postural tremors or action tremors.
• Myoclonus (sudden, brief, involuntary, muscle spasm that cause jerky movements).
• Dystonia
• Aphasia (speech and language abnormalities)
• Apraxia of speech (difficulty in saying what they want to say despite of knowing the right words)
• Dysarthria (Speech difficulties due to problems with the muscle that enable speech)
• Dysphagia (Difficulty in swallowing)
• Inability to control eyelid blinking
• Ataxia gait
• Cognitive and behavioral abnormalities

Affected individuals may also exhibit memory loss, impulsiveness, disinhibition, irritability, reduced attention span and obsessive compulsive behaviors.

Treatments:

A 4-to-8 weeks’ admission is mandatory for the treatment program. Line of treatment is as follows:

• Patient and family education
• Emotional support to the patient
• Very selectiveAyurveda Panchakarma therapies with internal medication
• Physiotherapy
• Yoga
• De-stressing the patient
• Meditation
• Encouraging the patient to carry on with activities or living as much independently as possible.

What to expect after the treatment program:

1. Improved flexibility of the spine and joints.
2. Improved flexibility of the muscle groups.
3. Improved strength to the muscle groups.
4. Improved balance.
5. Improved coordination.
6. Reduced difficulty for speech and swallowing.
7. Improved gait.
8. Improved mental status.
9. Improved quality of life
10. Other symptomatic relief.

Follow-Up:

Usually, follow-up treatment is advised after a gap of 6 to 9 months, depending upon the condition of the individual patient. A total of at least 3 follow-up sessions suggested.

Please note:

Response to the treatment varies from patient to patient depending upon the duration of the illness, severity, stage and other co-morbid conditions.

 A lot of effort and participation from the patient’s side is needed to get the desired results. Patients who are too old & weak, who are mentally compromised / unstable, who are unable to follow basic commands, who are unable to respond to instructions cannot be taken up for treatment. Favorable results not expected with such patients.

  Patients above the age of 70 years may or may not get the desired results owing to old age.

  Patients having Cardiac (heart) problems and / or Renal (Kidney) problems may not be considered for treatment at our Institution.

  Patients having Psychiatric / Psychological issues may not be able to achieve the desired results.