A rare and progressive form of multiple sclerosis is called Balo Disease. Although occurrences of it in children have also been described, it typically first manifests in adults. While multiple sclerosis normally waxes and wanes, Balo Disease is distinct in that it frequently progresses quickly. Headache, seizures, progressive paralysis, uncontrollable muscle contractions, and cognitive decline are possible symptoms.

Introduction:

A rare condition known as Baló’s concentric sclerosis (BCS) is frequently regarded as a form of multiple sclerosis. (MS). Its relationship to MS, however, is still unclear and debatable.  Balo’s disease is a demyelinating (injury to the nerve sheath) illness in which the myelin (the fatty covering of the nerve fibers) is destroyed.  It is distinguished by a severe clinical course that progresses quickly and by unique modifications to the nervous system. Large tumor-like plaques, or lesions, are frequently discovered to disrupt the nerve sheath.

According to studies, autoimmune elements might contribute to its emergence. Autoimmune disorders and inflammation occur when the body’s defenses against “exotic” organisms that invade begin targeting healthy tissue for unknown reasons. (swelling).  Males and females are equally affected by Balo’s disease, which appears to be most prevalent in Asians and Filipinos. Balo’s illness typically strikes adults, however, there have been cases documented in children as well.

Causes:

The origins of pathology and the circumstances surrounding its occurrence have not yet been fully understood by science and modern medicine. It is assumed that multiple factors contribute to the development of the rare disease and that a hereditary predisposition plays a significant role.

• Infectious and viral illnesses, including ARVI, which might mark the commencement of degenerative processes, are the primary medical indicators for the onset of the development of Balo’s disease.
• Additionally, it was discovered in the investigations that neurotropic viruses, which have the ability to kill brain neurons, play a significant role in the beginning and progression of pathology.
• Researchers observed that patients with this condition created ring-shaped damaged areas with preserved nerve fibers when they examined the shape and structure of the brains of those who were affected.
• Observations show that some oligodendrocytes, which are brain cells, deteriorate and finally die.
• Balo’s illness begins and progresses very differently from regular sclerosis or other types of multiple sclerosis. The processes that degrade white matter provide the foundation of the rare disease’s progression. The pathways in the brain that cause white matter injury and the development of annular areas remain unknown to modern medicine. Some experts on this condition argue that loss of oxygen is the primary factor affecting schooling; nevertheless, it is still unclear how and why this occurs.

Symptoms:

Balo disease signs are comparable to MS symptoms. These may consist of:

• Aphasia—speaking difficulties.
• difficulty focusing or understanding others.
• Changes in behavior.
• Headaches.
• Seizures.
• Weakness, spasms, and pain in the muscles.
• Inertia over time.

Diagnosis:

It’s advisable to see a specialist who specializes in issues with the brain and nervous system because Balo’s disease is quite uncommon. (a neurologist). Additionally, they will examine your physical condition to see how well you move and whether any muscles are weaker than others. Additionally, they’ll assess your speaking and memory skills. In order to look for lesions, they’ll arrange an MRI scan of your brain and spinal cord. that creates precise images of the inside of your body using strong magnets and radio waves. In order to rule out an infection, your doctor may also order blood tests or collect a small sample of spinal fluid from your lower back for analysis.

Your doctor may occasionally advise an evoked potential (EP) test. A technician will apply tiny patches to your scalp that are wired to a device that gauges your brain activity. The next step is to have you observe, hear, or feel specific stimuli (such as light patterns, a string of clicks, or brief electrical bursts) to see how your brain reacts to them.

Homeopathic Treatment:

Baló disease is one of several viral illnesses for which homeopathy is a successful treatment. Several anti-viral medications with common indications are particularly suitable for this situation. Unless it is severe and pervasive, this issue is typically self-limiting and does not require medical attention.

It must be kept in mind that the medications must be chosen based on the unique symptoms of the patient, not on the assumption that they would work for all individuals equally. Thuja occidentalis, Dulcamara, silica, Natrum muriaticum, Rhus Toxicodendron, Causticum, nitric acid, and other medications are examples.

The principle of treating “like with like” informs the practice of homeopathy, an alternative medicine. Homeopathy is said to encourage the body’s natural healing responses to sickness by giving patients drugs that mimic their illnesses’ symptoms in healthy people.

There is no solid proof that homeopathy works to treat any of these or other medical disorders. Homeopathy, according to some practitioners, can help prevent infections like Baló disease. There is no proof for this, and there is no mechanism for homeopathy to prevent diseases that makes sense from a scientific standpoint.