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

Abstract

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.