Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

January 6, 2023

Treatment for West’s Syndrome (Infantile Syndrome) & Lennox Gastaut Syndrome

ABSTRACT

West syndrome is a type of epilepsy which mainly affects babies. Infantile spasms are the type of seizures that are linked to epileptic condition known as west syndrome. Epilepsy is a chronic communicable disease of the brain that affects 50 million people around. It is characterized by recurrent seizures with involuntary movement including the whole part of the body and sometimes partial with loss of consciousness and bladder control. These are the result of excessive electric discharge in brain cells. Epilepsy is two or more unprovoked seizures, different parts of the brain can be the site of discharge, they can vary from brief lapse to jerks for prolonged convulsions. In ayurveda it can be correlated with apsarmara. In this condition we will discuss its causes, signs, symptoms and its ayurvedic aspect to maintain a healthy life.

INTRODUCTION

West syndrome (infantile spasms, epileptic spasms, hypsarrhythmia) causes seizures which last for a few seconds but they happen in bunches called clusters. 150 seizures in a cluster but babies have 60 clusters in a day. There is a triad of infantile spasms with changes in EEG known as hypsarrhythmia. This syndrome is caused by brain dysfunction whose origin can be prenatal, perinatal, postnatal. This can be seen in older patients known as epileptic spasms. Infantile spasms are linked with mental delays. These spasms begin in the early months after birth and sometimes get relief by medications. They are known as flexor spasms due to their appearance. Infants often cry during and after seizure. Babies who have infantile spasms stop developing, or they lose skills like sitting, rolling, lose their interest in surroundings and they interact less socially. Most infantile spasms start by 1 year of age and stop by 2-4 years of age.

west syndrome

FACTS

  1. Epilepsy is a chronic non communicable disease of the brain that affects all age groups.
  2. 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy.
  3. It is estimated that 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure free if treated well.
  4. 80% of people with epilepsy live in low and middle income countries.
  5. The risk of premature death is three times higher than the general population.

CAUSES

  1. Metabolic disorders
  2. Brain infection
  3. Brain injury due to lack of oxygen
  4. Malfunction of neurotransmitter
  5. Alteration in GABA transmission process.
  6. Hyper production of corticotropin releasing hormone.
  7. It can be divided into 3 groups-
  8. Symptomatic- epilepsy is a known or suspected disorder.
  9. Cryptogenic- The cause is hidden, it is presumed to be symptomatic
  10. Idiopathic- No underlying cause, possibility of hereditary factor.
  11. Patients with down syndrome- 1 to 5% of infants with down syndrome appeared with west syndrome. Difficult to treat, as seizures are very difficult to control.
  12. Cryptogenic- When the cause is not known the case is referred to as cryptogenic west syndrome. Most commonly seen in boys is X linked hereditary.

SYMPTOMS

  1. Loss of appetite
  2. Regression
  3. Upper body bending towards knees.
  4. Head thrown back
  5. Knee curled toward body
  6. Lightning attack- Severe myoclonic convulsions on the entire part of the body and legs are bent.
  7. Nodding attacks- Conclusion of throat and neck flexor during which the chin is jerked towards the breast and the head is moved inwards.
  8. Salaam/ jackknife attacks- Rapid bending of the head, raising and bending of the arms with partially hands in front of the chest.

DIAGNOSIS

  1. History of child development
  2. Neurological examination
  3. EEG (Electroencephalogram)
  4. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
  5. MEG (magnetoencephalography)
  6. CT Scan

TREATMENT

  1. ACTH Hormone
  2. Vigabatrin ( a seizure medication)
  3. Steroid like prednisone
  4. Vitamin B6
  5. Ketogenic diet- High in fat and low in carbohydrate.
  6. Surgery- if a scan shows some lesion then the baby undergoes brain split surgery. After surgery there might be seizures but the intensity will be lower. About 7-10 babies might get autism, tuberous sclerosis complex ( a condition caused by non cancerous tumors in the body and brain) Usually seen before 10 years of age.

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

In ayurveda epilepsy is correlated with apasmara. Epilepsy is a condition where there is transient loss of consciousness for a certain period of time which lasts for a few seconds to minutes. It is generated from cerebral neurons. It may be associated with loss of memory, feeling of entering a dark room with involuntary movements. Aggravated doshas get accumulated in the brain which exerts illusion of mind, hallucination, seizures, tonic clonic movement of limbs. Later on this phase passes and the person goes back to sleep. In apasamar doshas are vitiated and are related to vata and rajo dosha. The main feature is impairment of memory (smriti).

Causative factors

  1. Consumption of unwholesome food and habits.
  2. Debilitated mind
  3. Over excited doshas
  4. Subconscious fear
  5. Delusion of mind.

PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS

  1. Contracted eyebrows
  2. Auditory hallucination
  3. Fatigue
  4. Fainting
  5. Giddiness
  6. Expiratory dyspnea
  7. Head retraction to one side
  8. Involuntary speech
  9. Dribbling of saliva
  10. Red and black discoloration on the body.

TYPES

  1. Vataja apasmara- Due to vata dosha which is characterized by-
  2. Trembling
  3. Vomiting froth
  4. The patient aura is rough, black.
  5. Rigorous breathing
  6. Pittaja apasmara- Due to pitta dosha which is characterized by-
  7. Yellowness in limbs, face, eyes
  8. Visual aura yellow red spots
  9. Thirst
  10. Heat
  11. Kaphaja apasmara- Due to kapha dosha which is characterized by-
  12. Feeling of coldness
  13. Heaviness
  14. Patient aura is white
  15. White color foam of body, face and eyes.
  16. Shalaismika – Due to kapha dosha.
  17. Sannipatika- Due to imbalance of three doshas.

SAMPRAPTI GHATAKA

  • DOSHA- Vata dosha predominant with raja and tama dosha
  • DUSHYA- Smriti nash( loss of memory)
  • ADHISTHANA- hridya and manovaha srotas
  • SROTAS- Manovaha and sangyavaha.

TREATMENT

This restores the activities of heart, channels and mind which are blocked by doshas by remedies like vamana.

  1. For vataj apasmara- Basti
  2. For pitaja apasmara- virechana
  3. For shlaismika apasmara- vamana

HERBS USEFUL IN WEST SYNDROME

1. Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is the best remedy for epilepsy, has anti aging, anti diabetic and antioxidant properties. It is useful in depression, manic depressive disorder, insomnia, hearing and vision loss. Bacopa is useful in treating high B.P so controls stress and anxiety which further protects nerves and blood vessels. It improves the digestion power, in skin diseases, and in spleen disorders. Act as a good cardiac tone, reduces blood sugar level due to its antioxidant property and improves cell tissues. It is a natural detoxification herb and extensively used in ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It is used as an anti stress tonic.

2. Shankhapushpi

Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is used to improve memory and intelligence. Has tikta (bitter) taste, coolant in nature, and has snigdha and picchil properties. Shankhapushpi balances pitta and kapha doshas. Improves life expectancy, useful in cough, cold, mental disorders and depression, in skin disease, induces sleep. It has mild diuretic action so relieving fluid retention, treating migraines, and high blood pressure. It improves hair growth and quality of hair.

3. Choraka

Chorka (Angelica glauca) is used in treatment of various skin diseases and in psychiatric disorders. Has ushna guna, katu (pungent) rasa. It reduces the vitiated kapha and vata dosha, strengthens the heart muscles and induces alertness. Helpful in many skin diseases, bites from poisonous animals. It is a shrub growing in himalaya region having green white flowers. Used to treat rhinitis, to control fever, improves the memory of a person, induces appetite, improves the evacuation of bowel movement.

4. Jyotishmati

Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus) has katu, tikta rasa, ushna veerya, used as medhya rasayan. It balances vata and kapha dosha, improves digestion, and intelligence. Useful in liver disorder, anaemia, herpes virus. It relieves constipation and helps in quick healing of wounds. Mainly found in Punjab and kashmir. Induces vomiting, improves memory. It has a strong pungent taste.

5. Rasona

Rasona (Allium sativum) Eliminate the mercury out of the urine. It offers hepatoprotective effect, Garlic has the whole taste except sour taste. It induces motility, causes diarrhoea, and increases pitta dosha. Balances vata and kapha, Has ushna veerya, useful in treating skin diseases and relieve worm infestation and used in infected wounds. Has anti inflammatory action, and has tissue rejuvenating property, used in treatment of fractures and further strengthening bone, Reduces cholesterol level improves blood circulation.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet ayurveda is a GMP certified hub for manufacturing of ayurvedic products. It has many branches overseas, products are made according to classical ayurvedic texts. The products formulated by planet ayurveda are free from any conservatives, resins, colors, the products made are free from any animal origin, they are pure and completely vegetarian. The products are free from any side effects and provide many health benefits to one being.

PRODUCTS LIST

  1. Neurogenie Capsules
  2. Saraswatarisht
  3. Neuroplan Syrup
  4. Kumar Kalyan Ras
  5. Brahmi Ghrit
  6. Anu Tailam

herbs for west syndrome

Treatment of West Syndrome

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Neurogenie Capsules

They are polyherbal capsules formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like – Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These capsules are helpful in improving both mental and physical health. It reduces the free radicals which are helpful in removing toxins out of the body. Neurogenie capsules are reducing vata dosha and are effective in  neurodegenerative disorders. It has brahami which improves memory and reduces anxiety and ashwagandha has the property of improving the activity of brain memory.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Saraswatarist

It is an alcoholic preparation which is formulated by planet ayurveda by many herbs consisting of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Harad (Terminalia chebula), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and many more. It is a nerve tonic used in treatment of epilepsy and memory weakness. It promotes brain sharpness, improves immunity, cures digestive and bowel problems. Useful in both males and females fertility, and quality of semen. It helps to improve digestion and voice.

Dosage– 2 tsp twice a day with equal amount of water.

3.Neuro Plan Syrup

It is polyherbal syrup which is formulated by planet ayurveda consisting of ingredients like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Bhojpatra (Betula utilis), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and many more. This syrup is used as a nerve tonic for calming and relaxing effects on the brain. It manages the symptoms of eye blinking, shoulder movements ( elevation and rotation), lip contraction, opening and closing of mouth.

Dosage– 2 tsp twice a day with equal amount of water.

4. Kumar Kalyan Ras

It is herbal mineral ayurvedic formulation in the form of tablets  prepared by planet ayurveda using ingredients like- Mukta bhasma (Calx of pearl ), Swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), Loha bhasma (Calx of iron) and many more. It is used to treat pediatric (fever, jaundice, vomiting, digestive power) and heart related ailments. Kumar kalyan ras balances pitta dosha.

Dosage- 1 tablet once daily with plain water after meals.

5. Brahmi Ghrit

Brahmi ghrit is classical ayurvedic preparation formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like-  Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Kutha (Saussurea lappa), Ghee (cow’s ghee), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and many more. It balances tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha). Used in the treatment of improving intelligence and learning skills. Brahmi ghrit is useful in skin diseases, myalgia, and stress disorder.

Dosage– 3 drops of brahmi ghrit twice daily, but if the child is 7 yrs of age then 1/2 tsp with warm milk.

6. Anu Tailam

It is ayurvedic herbal oil used as nasal drops to maintain healthy organs, which is formulated by planet ayurveda using ingredients like-  Til tail, Aja dugdha, Jivanti, Ushir, Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Agar and many more. Anu tailam is used as nasya (nasal instillation) strengthens the ear, nose, tongue. Balances tridosha, used in the treatment of headache, hairfall, premature graying of hair.

Dosage– 2 drops in each of the nostrils (if child is above 7 yr of age)

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

CONCLUSION

West syndrome is a type of epilepsy which mainly affects babies. This syndrome is caused by brain dysfunction whose origin can be prenatal, perinatal, postnatal. This can be seen in older patients known as epileptic spasms. In ayurveda epilepsy is correlated with apasmara. Here we discussed many herbal remedies by planet ayurveda which show effective results in patients.

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January 2, 2023

HMSN (Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy) And Its Ayurvedic Management

Abstract

There are a number of hereditary conditions that children get from their parents. Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy is one among them. Oftentimes, the name HMSN is given to a bunch of different neuropathies which are characterised by their impact on efferent and afferent neural communication. Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy is also called Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy. It is an inherited and progressive disorder of the nerves which is characterised by numbness and weakness more pronounced in the legs. In the following section, we shall discuss HMSN in detail and its management in the contemporary system of medicine as well as in the traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine. Let’s discuss!!

Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy, What is hereditary motor sensory neuropathy

Introduction

HMSN (Hereditary motor sensory neuropathy), which is also known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, is an inherited peripheral polyneuropathy. It comprises a group of progressive, inherited, sensory and motor peripheral disorders with properties of degeneration of axons, demyelination or both. It is grouped by clinical characteristics, type of inheritance, metabolic effects, specific gene markers and electrophysiologic features. In Ayurveda, the correlation of the condition can be established with vata dosha vitiation as all the neurological and movements of the body is governed by vata dosha, hence in HMSN the vata dosha is vitiated and therefore can be managed by correcting the vata dosha imbalance.

Causes Of HMSN

  • Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathies are inherited.
  • Chromosomes 1 and 17 are mostly with mutations.
  • The condition can be inherited in an autosomal recessive and autosomal dominant or X-linked.

Sign & Symptoms

  • Onset in early age (childhood) or young adults.
  • Motor symptoms are more pronounced than sensory.
  • Fatigue
  • Pain
  • Imbalance
  • Lack of feeling
  • Lack of reflexes
  • Lack of hearing and sight
  • Arched feet
  • Foot drop
  • Foot deformities
  • Hammer toes
  • Scoliosis

Investigations

  • Physical evaluation for weakness, atrophy, sensory and motor responses
  • Electromyography
  • Motor nerve conduction test
  • Final confirmation is by genetic testing

Management of HMSN

  • There is no pharmacological treatment for hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy.
  • Physical therapy
  • Stretching
  • Braces

Ayurvedic Management of HMSN

  • The condition of HMSN is caused by the vata dosha vitiation therefore the management is based on the pacification of the vata dosha. There are a number of herbs available that are known as vata dosha pacifiers. Single herbs include nirgundi (Vitex negundo), erand (Ricinus communis), rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), gambhari (Gmelina arborea), patla (Stereospermum suaveolens), shyonak (Oroxylum indicum) etc.
  • The formulations which pacify vata dosha are vata vidhwansan ras, vrihat vatchintamani ras, yograj guggul, rasraj ras, trayodashang guggul etc are available. These are beneficial in HMSN.

Herbal Remedies for Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, GMP certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adheres to the objective of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in a number of ancient texts of Ayurveda. Formulations are manufactured without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring agents which can have a number of side effects on the human body. Products manufactured at Planet Ayurveda are pure and devoid of any kind of adulteration. The products are purely organic and vegetarian and gluten free and halal certified. Planet Ayurveda extends its products that are useful in managing Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.

Following is the list of formulations that are helpful in Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy:

  1. ASHWAGANDHAGHAN VATI
  2. ATIRASADI CHURNA
  3. KUMARI SAAR
  4. TRIBULUS POWER
  5. MUSLI STRENGTH CAPSULES
  6. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
  7. NEUROGENIE CAPSULES

Hereditary Motor Sensory Neuropathy, What is hereditary motor sensory neuropathy

Products Description

1. ASHWAGANDHAGHAN VATI

Ashwagandhaghan Vati are filled with the effectiveness of the herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) that possesses rasayana properties. Ashwagandha provides overall wellness. It rejuvenates the body cells. Further it strengthens the muscles and helps in the demyelinating and degenerative conditions of the neurons. Therefore by this property it helps in alleviation of associated symptoms of the above said conditions. Further it improves neurological impulses thus helps in proper movements and sensations. With all these actions, Ashwagandhaghan Vati is helpful in managing Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water.

2. ATIRASADI CHURNA

Atirasadi Churna is a blend of various medicinal herbs that helps in strengthening overall structures of the body. Atirasadi Churna is comprised of kesar (Crocus sativus), talmakhana (Hygrophila spinosa), jaiphal (Myristica fragrans), safed behmen (Centaurea behen), varahi kand (Dioscorea tuberosa), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), vidari kand (Pueraria tuberosa), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), kali musli (Curculigo orchioides) etc. Atirasadi Churna helps in proper conduction of the nerve impulses. All the herbs are known to strengthen the nervous system. Being a nervine tonic it helps in Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy and relieves symptoms associated with it.

Dosage: One tsp twice a day with warm milk.

3. KUMARI SAAR

Kumari Saar is the juice extract of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis). It is used as a nervous tonic. It gives strength to the neurological system and helps in healing of the damaged nerves. Furthermore, it alleviates pain and corrects the neurological dysfunctions as it helps in proper functioning of the neuromuscular structures by strengthening them.

Dosage: Two tsp twice a day after meals.

4. TRIBULUS POWER

Tribulus Power is a beautiful herb that is beneficial in a number of conditions. Tribulus Power contains the strengthening and energising properties of gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Tribulus pacifies vata dosha therefore manages the vata disorder Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy. In the case of Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, Tribulus Power is of much help.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

5. MUSLI STRENGTH CAPSULES

Musli Strength Capsules are filled with properties of gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum). Both the herbs pacify vata dosha. As the name suggests Musli Strength Capsules strengthens the muscles and improves nerve conduction. The capsules help in the atrophic condition of the muscles and heals the damaged neurons. Therefore, Musli Strength Capsules are helpful in managing Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

6. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is a classical Ayurvedic mineral formulation. The formulation is composed of Rajata Bhasma (silver calx), Swarna Bhasma (gold calx), Loha Bhasma (iron ash), Abhrak Bhasma (mica ash), Suta Bhasma (compound of purified mercury and purified sulphur), Mukta Bhasma (pearl calx) and Pravala Bhasma (coral calcium). It also consisted of juice extract of Aloe vera. It is helpful in demyelination conditions of nerves. It alleviates the neurological pain. It is useful in neuropathies. As the name of the formulation indicates it is useful in vata dosha conditions, the product alleviates the symptoms of the nervous system degeneration. With above said functions Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is a product of choice in Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.

Dosage: One tablet twice a day to be chewed after meals.

7. NEUROGENIE CAPSULES

Neurogenie capsules composed of the herbs which are known to be medhya. These herbs promote and improve neurological functions as per Ayurvedic texts. The formulation contains the herbs brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). As these are beneficial in promoting muscle health and nerve conduction and their coordination. Neurogenie Capsules are therefore helpful in numbness, pain, reduced motor and sensory function and other conditions of the neurological system. Hence by all the above said actions Neurogenie capsules are best used in Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy.

Dosage: One capsule twice a day with plain water after meals.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

Conclusion

As we discuss Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy, the condition is inherited which is characterised by fatigue, numbness in the extremities and lack of motor functions etc. The disease progresses over time. Hence the management should be started as soon as the condition is diagnosed. As there is no permanent cure or treatment available for the ailment in the contemporary system of medicine whereas the Ayurveda offers promising results in the management of the same. Formulations mentioned above are helpful in pacifying the vata dosha and also provides strength to the muscles and nerves. By strengthening the musculoskeletal and neurological system the products help in alleviating symptoms associated with Hereditary Motor and Sensory Neuropathy. Hence Ayurveda has much to offer in so many conditions related to every system.

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