Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) and its Management through Unani system of medicine- A Case Study

Abstract

Muscular dystrophies refer to a group of hereditary progressive diseases, each with unique phenotypic and genotypic features. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and fascioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy are the most common types of muscular dystrophy. LGMDs are a heterogeneous group of non-congenital genetic disorders that are caused by mutations in multiple genes and are generally characterized by weakness and wasting of the shoulder and pelvic girdle muscles. The clinical course of LGMD ranges from severe forms with disease onset and rapid progression within the first decade of life to milder forms with later onset and slower progression. Unani System of Medicine (USM) relies on the Nazariya-i-Akhlāt (Concept of Humours), in which the four Akhlāt (dam (blood), balgham (phlegm), safrā’ (yellow bile), and sawdā’) are proportionately found in the body during the state of health, but when there is any dyscrasia, disequilibrium occurs in this proportion and diseases arise. According to USM, abnormal balgham or excess burudat and rutubat lead to murkhi (pseudohypertrophy), and abnormal haḍm  udwi leads to Istirkhā’. A condition where the muscles of an organ or the whole body become flaccid and are not able to perform function is called Istirkhā’. USM endeavors to use simple and natural means to cure diseases. The four main therapeutic modalities are: Ilaj-Bi’l-Tadbīr (regimenal therapy); Ilaj-Bi’l-Ghidhā (dietotherapy); Ilaj-Bi’l-Dawā’ (pharmacotherapy), and Ilaj-Bi’l-Yad (surgery). The case study suggests that LGMD can be adequately managed with Unani System of Medicine by using pharmacotherapy and regimenal therapy.