Authors : Dr. Jyoti Kharabe; Dr. Seema Bahatkar

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 10 - October

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/bdzaytxb

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26Oct022

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive weakness of the facial, scapular and humeral muscles, with variable involvement of the trunk and lower limbs.¹,² The disease is clinically heterogeneous and may result in progressive limitations in upper-limb function, mobility and activities of daily living.¹,³ Pain is also a common and clinically important symptom in FSHD.⁴ Conventional management is primarily supportive and includes physiotherapy, exercise prescription, pain management and monitoring for associated complications.¹,⁵ Ayurveda does not describe FSHD as a distinct disease entity; however, its clinical manifestations may be interpreted within the framework of Vata Vyadhi, Dhatu Kshaya and involvement of Mamsa, Asthi and Majja Dhatu. The present case was managed using an integrated Ayurvedic approach comprising Panchakarma and Rasayana-oriented therapy.  Case Presentation: A 32-year-old male presented with progressive difficulty in raising both upper limbs for 10 years, bilateral upper-arm muscle wasting with shoulder drooping, bilateral elbow pain, low back pain, difficulty in walking for 2–3 years and bilateral knee pain. Electromyography/nerve conduction study performed on 01 January 2016 reported findings suggestive of FSHD. MRI of the lumbar spine dated 07 May 2025 revealed L5–S1 disc desiccation with diffuse disc bulge and posterocentral protrusion and bilateral neural foraminal narrowing. On Ayurvedic assessment, the presentation was considered predominantly Vata-related with features of Dhatu Kshaya and neuromuscular dysfunction.  Intervention: The patient received Sarvanga Pinda Swedana for 14 days, Anna Lepana for 10 days, Yoga Basti consisting of Erandamooladi Niruha Basti and Sahachara Taila Anuvasana Basti for 8 days, followed by Panchatikta Ksheera Basti for 7 days and Marsha Nasya for 5 days. Internal medicines included Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu, Bala/Ashwagandha-based formulations, Rasnasaptaka Kwatha, Swadishta Virechana Vati and Ksheerapaka containing Ashwagandha, Bala, Gokshura and Shunthi.  Results: Following treatment, improvement was observed in gait, appetite, pain and selected functional parameters. The Visual Analogue Scale pain score decreased from 7 to 4. Straight Leg Raising Test improved from 80° bilaterally to 90° bilaterally, and lumbar extension improved from 20° to 30°. Muscle power remained unchanged at 4/5 in both upper limbs and 5/5 in both lower limbs. Thus, the observed benefit was predominantly symptomatic and functional rather than an objectively demonstrated increase in muscle strength. Conclusion: The integrated Ayurvedic intervention was associated with improvement in pain, gait and selected functional parameters in this patient with FSHD. In view of the progressive nature of FSHD, maintenance of documented muscle strength during the treatment period together with symptomatic improvement may be clinically relevant. However, a single case cannot establish efficacy or disease-modifying effects. Controlled studies with longer follow-up and validated FSHDspecific outcome measures are required.

Keywords : Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy; FSHD; Asthimajjagata Vata; Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya; Panchakarma; Basti; Panchatikta Ksheera Basti; Rasayana. Anassantap, Rajyakshma.

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