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Psychogenic pseudo-myasthenic ptosis – management with ayurvedic medicines and Smriti meditation

  • Mukesh Edavalath EMAIL logo , Satheesh Kottil and Febin Hameed
Published/Copyright: May 7, 2021

Abstract

Objectives

Patients presenting with functional neurological symptoms like non-epileptic seizures and weakness have an underlying psychological component and tend to persist for a prolonged time, despite repeated evaluations and interventions. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach to health and disease, can provide better management for such disorders, in the form of customized treatment protocols and unique methods of psychotherapy.

Case presentation

The patient presented with drooping of both eyelids, initially diagnosed as ocular myasthenia, and later found to have psychogenic pseudo-myasthenic ptosis. She was evaluated based on ayurvedic parameters and managed successfully with ayurvedic treatment modalities of sodhana (dosha elimination), samana (pacifying), and a novel psychotherapy technique of Smriti meditation.

Conclusions

A holistic approach to the patient, as expounded by Ayurveda, is vital in evaluating and managing functional neurological complaints. Smriti meditation, in combination with selected ayurvedic medicines, is effective in managing psychosomatic manifestations as demonstrated in the present case.


Corresponding author: Dr. Mukesh Edavalath, Assistant Professor, Department of Roganidana, VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala, India, Phone: +919447374443, E-mail:

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the inputs from Dr. K.V. Dileep Kumar, Professor of Ayurveda, Institute of Oriental Medicine, People’s Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, for his contributions in developing and propagating the art of Smriti Meditation.

  1. Research funding: None declared.

  2. Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.

  3. Competing interests: None declared.

  4. Informed consent: The authors state that necessary informed consent has been obtained from the patient.

  5. Ethical approval: Not applicable.

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Received: 2020-09-16
Accepted: 2021-02-22
Published Online: 2021-05-07

© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

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