ABSTRACT
Central nervous system consists of the brain and Spinal cord. It controls maximum functions of the body. Hampering of these functions may lead to many disturbances in the body. Tick Borne Encephalitis is a condition in which symptoms are biphasic and include the central nervous system in the second phase. It occurs in parts of Europe, Asia, Russia, Japan and china. This condition is seen maximum in rural areas, mostly near the grassy area. Let us see about the TBE (Tick Borne Encephalitis), its causes, symptoms, prevention, Modern as well as Ayurvedic aspect.
INTRODUCTION
It occurs due to a virus named (Tick Encephalitis Virus) It is a Flavivirus which shows symptoms in two phases, In the first phase it shows the generalized symptoms and in the second phase there is involvement of the neurological symptoms which might be fatal. It spreads through an insect bite when it bites the infected host and then transfers it to the next host. It also spread through consumption of raw milk, probably goat milk and raw cheese. It does not transfer from one person to another.
CAUSES OF TICK BORNE ENCEPHALITIS
- Bite through an infected tick
- Consumption of raw daily product
- In touch with infected goats, cows, etc
- Tick encephalitis Virus
DIAGNOSIS
- Clinical examination for Sign and Symptoms
- Travel history
- Medical History
- Blood culture
- ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay)
- Spinal fluid testing
- Antibody testing (IGg and IGm)
- TBE Virus test
- CT Scan
- MRI
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF TICK BORNE ENCEPHALITIS
Many people infected with this virus are asymptomatic. The incubation period ranges between 7-14 days but can extend to 4-28 days. The symptoms start with
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness
- Body pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Red rash (Due to the insect bite)
These symptoms persist for 5 days
After the initial stage, one to two weeks or more there are no Symptoms, In the second phase, there is involvement of the central nervous system along with high fever and the symptoms include:
- Sickness
- Stiff neck
- Aversion to lights
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty in speaking
- Confusion
- Behavioral changes
- Seizures
- Change in mental state
- Infection in brain and spinal cord
PREVENTION
- Vaccination
- Full skin coverage
- Insect Repellents
- Avoid raw intakes of Daily products
TREATMENT
There is no specific treatment but this condition can be managed as the following:
- Supportive care
- Symptomatic treatment
- Analgesics
- Anti inflammatory
- Antipyretic
- Antiemetics
- Rest
- Fluids
- Tracheal intubation
- Respiratory Support
AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW
Ayurveda is an ancient ayurvedic medical system which deals with treating the disease through the ancient herbs, lifestyle and Diet. According to ayurveda, when we discuss the disorders pertaining to the nervous system or the neurological conditions there is dushti of majja dhatu and vata dosha.
In this condition there is predominance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Because of the Dusti of these doshas there is involvement of the nervous system and the digestive system. And due to the involvement of the Majja dhatu it affects the nervous system. Now, this Majja dhatu includes the nerves, Bone marrow and is responsible for the functions of the brain.
If we relate this perspective to tick borne encephalitis, the symptoms are very much related to vata and pitta dosha dushti, along with that there is neurological condition which directs towards the majja dhatu dushti.
HOW TO DIAGNOSE THROUGH AYURVEDA?
- Darshana: This means the direct perception we make through eyes by seeing. In this condition we can check the tick bite, Area of the bite, Inflammation, Seizures etc.
- Sparshana: The touch perception helps us in examining the symptoms such as fever.
- Prashana: By questioning we can find about the symptoms the patient is experiencing such as weakness, Body pain, difficulty in speaking etc.
MANAGEMENT
1. Diet
Avoid taking foods which are vata and pitta increasing and follow a diet to balance the doshas and the majja dhatu. For example fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid packaged food and carbonated drinks.
2. Lifestyle
Try doing mild exercise, Quit smoking, Meditation, Acupuncture and warm baths are helpful.
3. Shodhana Therapies
Abhyanga, Danta dhavana, Gandoosha, Mukha prakshalana, Vyayam, Snehana, Swedana, Niruha basti, Anuvasana basti, Dhoomapana are the therapies which is useful in treatment of nervous disorders.
- Abhyanga - It is the topical application (Massage) of the medicated oil over the body in Anuloman direction and pratiloma direction. In this condition it will heal in pacifying the vata dosha.
- Dhantadhavana - This means cleaning of teeth with the help of the stem of medical plants such as khadira, Arka, Nimba.
- Gandoosha - The medicated oil is filled in the oral cavity without moving.
- Mukha prakshalana - Washing of the face with the help of warm water or Lodhra kashaya, Amalaka kashaya etc. according to the condition of the patient.
- Snehana - This is an Oleation Therapy in which the Snehas such as oil, ghee, Majja is used to Oleate the person internally and externally. Ex. Dashmool oil.
- Swedana - It is a herbal steam therapy, which helps in removing toxins from the body.
- Niruha Basti - This is also known as kashaya Basti. A kashaya (Decoction) is prepared with medicated herbs and oils, Honey, Rock salt and administered through an anal route. This acts as a cleansing enema.
- Anuvasana Basti - This is a sneh basti,made up of medicinal herbs and oil, mainly the oleating herbs administered through anal route and do the oleation.
- Dhoomapana - Inhalation of herbal smoke.
4. Shamana Chikitsa
Various herbs will benefit in this condition such as Ashwagandha, Guggulu, Brahmi etc.
5. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha has immense benefits, in this condition it will reduce the vata and pitta dosha and will provide strength to the body and also calms the mind.
6. Guggulu (Commiphora mukul)
Guggulu is very much beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation due to its anti inflammatory and analgesic property. Thus, it helps in reducing the body pain and inflammation due to insect bites.
7. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi helps in suppressing the vata dosha, as this condition is neurological in the second phase which comes under vataja disorders, so intake of brahmi will help in relieving the symptoms.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR TICK BORNE ENCEPHALITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet ayurveda is an ayurvedic clinic which was established in 2002. It has its own manufacturing unit where the products manufactured are 100% safe, natural and pure. This manufacturing unit is GMP and ISO certified. This organization has been serving the society for more than 20 years and effectively treating all the chronic and autoimmune conditions. The medicines manufactured here are a blend of ancient herbs in various forms such as Tablets, Capsules, Herbal oils, Powders, syrups and also cosmetic products.
PRODUCTS LIST
- Neurogenie Capsules
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Tulsi Capsules
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Ashwagandha Capsules
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Neurogenie Capsules
It is a patent ayurvedic medicine which is prepared by Planet ayurveda including Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is considered a very good remedy for all neurological conditions. It controls Vata dosha, nourishes nerves and Stimulates the overall function. Because it contains Brahmi Ashwagandha which suppresses Vata dosha and strengthens the nerves and muscles, So it works beneficially in this condition.
Dosage: For Adults - Take 2 capsules twice a day after meals, For Children - Take 1 capsule twice a day.
2. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia Curcumin is a patented ayurvedic medicine by planet ayurveda which consists of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa) in capsule form. This formulation helps in maintaining healthy joints and overall functions of the body. Because curcumin is anti-inflammatory, it can fight infection and help heal it, and boswellia is analgesic and anti-inflammatory, which can help in treating pain and inflammation in this condition which arises due to insect bite.
Dosage: For Adults - Two capsules twice a day after meals, For Children - Take one capsule twice a day.
3. Tulsi Capsules
This is a single herb formulation made by standardized extraction of the herb Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) in capsule form by Planet ayurveda. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties it works in respiratory infection and may reduce the inflammation due to insect bite. Acts as anti allergic which can help in coping up with the symptoms of this condition as well as the antipyretic property of tulsi will help in reducing fever.
Dosage: For Adults - Take Two capsules twice a day, For Children - Take one Capsule twice a day.
4. Manjishtha Capsules
Manjishtha Capsules are the single herb formulation by planet ayurveda which consists of the herb Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). It helps in purifying the blood and treating skin conditions. As it balances the Pitta dosha, it will help in decreasing the temperature of the body, Manjistha also helps in reducing nausea and vomiting. So it will help in treating overall symptoms of this condition.
Dosage: For Adults - Two capsules two times a day after meals, For Children - one capsule taken twice a day after meals.
5. Ashwagandha Capsules
This is a single herbal formulation made with the help of standardized exaction of the herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha relieves stress and anxiety. There is weakness in this condition and it helps in balancing vata and pitta dosha, therefore Ashwagandha helps in reducing the weakness and increasing the strength and muscles. It also enhances sexual function and fertility.
Dosage: For Adults - Take one capsule two times a day after meals, For Children - Take one capsule two times a day after meals.
CONCLUSION
It is a neurological condition which arises in the second phase and happens due to the infected insect bite. Tick borne encephalitis is well managed during its first phase but it can be difficult to manage it in the second phase and might need good supportive care. On the other hand in ayurveda it is related to vata pitta dosha dushti and majja dhatu dushti which can be managed with different therapies such as Basti, Abhanga etc and herbal remedies. There are some herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda which are very effective in treating this condition.
