Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

Abstract

Neuromuscular diseases are a group of diseases or conditions that adversely affect either the muscles or the nerves which control the muscles. There could be a variety of neuromuscular diseases. The severity of the disease and its effect on an individual will depend on various factors such as body type, age, genetic composition, etc. One such type of neuromuscular disorder is Isaac’s syndrome. Isaac syndrome is also known as neuromyotonia. Isaac syndrome causes uncontrollable muscle activity including muscle movements during sleep also. Progressive muscle weakness is one of the most common presenting features of neuromuscular disorders. Isaac syndrome along with its clinical features, diagnosis, and ayurvedic perspective, etc are  described in detail in the following article.

INTRODUCTION

Isaac’s syndrome is also known as Neuromyotonia, Quantal squander syndrome, Isaacs-Mertens syndrome and Continuous muscle fibre activity syndrome. Isaac’s syndrome is a very rare neuromuscular disorder. This condition is marked by hyperexcitability and frequent firing of the peripheral nerve axons. The axons are responsible for the activation of the muscle fibres and hindrance to its normal state leads to the disturbance in normal muscle physiology. This will result in progressive muscle stiffness, diminished reflexes, accompanied with more frequent contractions or twitching of the muscles. The causes of Isaac syndrome will be discussed in the following content.

CAUSES

The exact cause underlying the condition of Isaac syndrome is yet not known. Various other health conditions are known to make the person more prone to the condition of isaac syndrome such as myasthenia gravis, lung cancer, tumours of thyroid gland, peripheral nerve disorders, guillain barre syndrome, severe infections, radiation therapies, etc. The Isaac syndrome will present various features which will be described as follows.

SYMPTOMS

The clinical features or the symptoms of Isaac syndrome will vary from person to person but the most common features are as follows –

The person suffering from Isaac syndrome will experience frequent contractions of the muscles or  muscle twitching. There is continuous movement of muscle even during the night time. The stiffness of muscles and cramping is observed to worsen gradually as time passes. The patient experiences excessive pain in the muscles. This will lead to muscle loss gradually. There can be an increase or decrease in sweating also.

The gradual loss of muscles and stiffness leads to delayed reflexes and the patient faces difficulty in coordinating movements and walking. Increase in the calf muscle size can also be present. The patient will also observe a reduction in the weight of the body. The heart rate of the patients suffering from Isaac syndrome may be elevated. There could be numerous other symptoms that may be different for different patients.

DIAGNOSIS

The clinical evaluation of the condition of Isaac syndrome is very important. It can be diagnosed by observing the symptoms of the patient. Few diagnostic tests may be required to access the condition accurately and to rule out other conditions. The diagnostic tests are electromyography test (EMG), CT scan, MRI, etc.

TREATMENT

The Modern Management of Neuromyotonia or Isaac syndrome includes the symptomatic management. This line of treatment may include anticonvulsants, oral corticosteroids, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, etc. The modern science emphasises on the management of the symptoms and has no specific treatment for curing the condition of Isaac syndrome. While the ayurveda has a very unique perspective and management strategy which will be described as follows.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

Isaac syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder according to modern science but Ayurveda has its own unique principles to understand the state of the body and disease. The imbalance in the levels of vata, pitta, and kapha is considered responsible for all the types of diseases. In the case of Isaac syndrome, vata imbalance is responsible for the neurological difficulties. Beej dushti and mamsa dhatu dushti can also be responsible for this disease. The cause of the condition may vary from patient to patient. The main line of treatment will include balancing the levels of vata dosha in the body. It will help to improve the pain and muscle twitching that the patient experiences along with the enhancement of proper functioning of the nervous system

Various methods are implied to rebalance the vitiated levels of vata dosha which includes restricting the vata aggravating factors from diet and lifestyle, panchkarma therapies, oral administration of ayurvedic herbs such as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), moringa (Moringa oleifera), etc. Planet ayurveda prepares various herbal and ayurvedic formulations for improving the condition of the patients of Isaac syndrome which will be described as follows.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ISAACS SYNDROME BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda prepares medicinal formulations that contain natural herbs beneficial for the health of the body. Planet Ayurveda is providing various preparations of natural herbs such as ashwagandha ghan vati, boswellia curcumin, rasraj ras, telomere extension, moringa capsule, etc which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the health of the patient of Isaac syndrome.

All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting the health of the patient and managing the diseased state effectively.

The Herbal Products suitable for managing the condition of Isaac syndrome/ Neuromyotonia is described in detail as follows –

1. BOSWELLIA+CURCUMIN
2. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
3. RASRAJ RAS
4. ASHWAGANDHA GHAN VATI
5. BRAHMI GHRIT
6. VIKRAMPRASH
7. TELOMERE EXTENSION
8. MORINGA CAPSULES

Product Description

1. BOSWELLIA+CURCUMIN

Boswellia curcumin is prepared by planet ayurveda using natural extracts of haridra (Curcuma longa) and shallaki (Boswellia serrata).This combination contains natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These medicinal properties will help to manage the stiffness and pain in the muscles. Also, it helps to improve the overall health of the body.

Dose – 1 capsule twice daily, after meals with plain water.

2. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

Vrihat vatchintamani ras is prepared using various ayurvedic compounds such as Swarna Bhasma, Rajata Bhasma, Abhraka Bhasma, Loha Bhasma, Pravala Bhasma, Mukta Bhasma and Suta Bhasma. These ingredients in a combination help to pacify the excessive vata dosha from the body. Vata dosha is a factor responsible for most of the pains in the body. In this case, pacifying the vata will help to manage the pain as well as helps to improve the neurological health of the patient. This will help to improve the condition of the patient suffering from Isaac syndrome by improving the neurological health along with the management of pain and sensation loss.

Dose – One pill two times a day after meal with plain water.

3. RASRAJ RAS

Rasraj ras is an ayurvedic formulation containing wonderful ayurvedic components such as  Parada (purified mercury), Abhraka (Purified Silica), Swarna (Calx of gold), Loha bhasma (Calx of iron), Rajat bhasma (Calx of silver), Vanga (Calx of tin), Vajgandha (Withania somnifera), Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum), etc. The combination formulated in rasraj ras is very effective in managing neuromuscular diseases. It helps to manage the pain and twitching and also helps to promote the overall health of the body.

Dose – 1 tablets twice daily to be chewed with plain water after meals.

4. ASHWAGANDHA GHAN VATI

Ashwagandha ghan vati contains natural extracts of the ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha helps to pacify the excessive vata dosha from the body. Balancing the levels of vata will help to get relief from muscle pains and muscle twitching. It helps to improve body weight also. Ashwagandha is very useful in managing different types of neurological disorders. So, all in all, it is very beneficial for the patients of Isaac syndrome.

Dose – 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

5. BRAHMI GHRIT

Brahmi ghrita contains various herbal components such as brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), vacha (Acorus calamus), etc. prepared in go ghrit (cow ghee). Brahmi ghrit is very beneficial for improving the neurological state of the body. It helps to improve various conditions such as apsmara, unmada, etc. It is known to improve the concentration levels and memory of the individual. Brahmi ghrit helps to improve the condition of Isaac syndrome up to a great extent.

Dosage: 1 tsp two times a day after meals with warm water.

6. TELO EXTENSION

Telo – Extension by Planet Ayurveda is prepared using hundred percent natural extract of the following Ayurvedic herbs -Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Pine Bark (Pinus longifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Rose Hip (Rosa indica), etc. Telo – extension helps to promote the overall health of the body. The herbal combination it contains helps in rejuvenating the body. This helps in slowing down the aging mechanism. It helps in maintaining the healthy state of the body.

Dose – Can be taken 1- 2 capsules two times a day after meal with plain water.

7. VIKRAMPRASH

Vikramprash is prepared by planet Ayurveda using pure herbal components of the various health benefiting drugs such as Syonak (Oroxylum indicum), Kashmarya (Gmelina arborea), Patla (Sterospermum suveolens), Shalparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Prishnaparni (Uraria picta), Mashparni (Teramnus labialis), Mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Pippali (Piper longum), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Shringi (Pistacia chinensis), Bhumiamalki  (Phyllanthus niruri), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Musta (Cyperus rotundus        ), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),etc.

The combination of these drugs helps to improve immunity. The Vikramprash helps to remove the toxins accumulated in the body because of the unhealthy lifestyle. It helps in managing Isaac syndrome effectively.

Dosage: Vikramprash should be given 1-2 teaspoonfuls two to three times a day.

8. MORINGA CAPSULES

Moringa capsules are prepared by Planet Ayurveda using natural extracts of the ayurvedic herb Moringa (Moringa oleifera). Moringa contains numerous medicinal properties which help to promote the health of the individual. It helps to pacify the excessive levels of vata and kapha dosha from the body. The herb of moringa is known to be hot in potency and thus, helps to manage the vata dosha in optimum levels. As discussed earlier, Vata imbalance is responsible for almost all types of pain and neurological diseases. Hence, balancing the vata levels will help to improve the condition of the patient suffering from Isaac syndrome.

Dose – 1-2 Capsules once or twice daily after meal with plain water.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, it can be concluded that Isaac syndrome can be managed very well by following the principles of ayurveda. Ayurveda believes to rectify the disease right from its roots rather than just managing the symptoms. So, by restricting the causative or aggravating factors and following a healthy diet along with the administration of ayurvedic formulations such as ashwagandha ghan vati, boswellia curcumin, rasraj ras, telomere extension, moringa capsule, etc. the condition can be managed well. The quality of life of the patients suffering from Isaac syndrome can be improved to a great extent.