Integrative Ayurvedic Management of Guillain–Barré Syndrome Unresponsive to Intravenous Immunoglobulin

Abstract

Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated polyneuropathy characterized by rapid-onset ascending paralysis, often resulting in long-term disability despite standard interventions like Intravenous Immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis. This case report highlights the successful management of a 61-year-old male with a 20-year history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who presented with progressive limb weakness, numbness, and urinary symptoms. Diagnosed with demyelinating pure motor polyradiculoneuropathy and scoring a 4 on the GBS Disability Scale, the patient had previously failed to respond optimally to conventional therapy. An integrative Ayurvedic protocol was implemented over a 6-month period, involving two separate 14-day hospitalisations for Shodhana (purificatory therapies) and Shamana (palliative internal medications). The treatment centered on neutralising vitiated Vatadosha and restoring neuromuscular integrity using a combination of Dhanadanayanadi Kashaya , Yograj Guggulu , Rasayana Churna , and specialized procedures such as Abhyanga , Swedana , and Matra Basti . The clinical outcome was significant, with a “metamorphosis-like” recovery where motor power returned to 5/5 in all limbs, and the GBS Disability Scale score improved from 4 to 1. This case demonstrates that Ayurvedic protocols, by modulating the immune response and enhancing neuro-regeneration, serve as a potent synergistic therapy for GBS, particularly when conventional treatments yield limited results.