Ayurvedic Treatment of West Syndrome With Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

West syndrome is a type of infantile spasm which affects the infants and children. It is characterized by the onset of seizure at a specific age that is accompanied by the characteristic EEG’s (electroencephalogram) pattern. The pattern appearing in West syndrome is termed as “hypsarrythmia”. There are many other names which expert have given to it like Epileptic spasms, Infantile spasms, Lighting spasms, X-linked infantile spasm syndrome, X-linked infantile spasms, Salaam or jerk knife spasms, Generalized flexion epilepsy etc. In this write up you can get all the information about this rare disease condition and its Ayurvedic management.

INTRODUCTION TO WEST SYNDROME

West syndrome is a group of symptoms presented by infantile spasms/epilepsy, abnormal brain wave patterns called intellectual disability and hypsarrhythmia. These spasms can be either in the form of mild changes in the eye and twitching of the shoulder or there can be “salaam”/ jackknife movements in which the body bends in half. Usually the spasms of the West syndrome begin in the early months after the birth of the baby. When these spasms occur in older patients, it is termed as epileptic spasms and not infantile spasms. West syndrome can be caused due to various reasons and finding out specific reasons can help in diagnosis of the condition. In a case where the exact cause is not known, the diagnosis is said to be Cryptogenic epileptic spasms.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF WEST SYNDROME

As per Ayurveda, Epilepsy is termed as Apasmara which means loss of memory, consciousness or knowledge. Seizure in Ayurveda is related with a term called Akshepaka. Here the cause of convulsions or seizures is known to be imbalance of the Vata dosha, according to Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic literature the causes of such conditions are Krodha (anger), kama (passion), harda (ectasy), lobha (greed), udvega (anxiety), soka (grief) etc.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF WEST SYNDROME

The main characteristic symptom of West syndrome is cluster seizures which happen in bunches but lasts only a few seconds. Some infants can even have 60 clusters per day and in one cluster there can be even 150 seizures. In some cases these seizures do not occur in clusters initially. Certain other signs and symptoms of West Syndrome are:

• Loss of appetite
• Child can be ill tempered
• Sleep pattern can have changes like sleeping less at night and more during day
• They can act like they are not able to see
• Development can be slowed down
• Retrogression

CAUSES OF WEST SYNDROME

West Syndrome is a rare condition which affects very few babies throughout the world. This syndrome usually initiates between 4-8 months after the birth of the baby. There are certain things which can cause this condition:

• Changes in the genes of the child
• Lack of oxygen causing brain injury
• Metabolic disorders
• Unusual formation or development of brain
• Infection in the brain
• Other brain injuries

DIAGNOSIS OF THE WEST SYNDROME

If after looking at the condition of the baby doctor suspect West syndrome, they will take the detailed case history which includes all the details of the seizure. Looking at the condition when the baby is having a seizure (maybe through a video that you can make) will help in understanding the case better and make diagnosis. EEG will help in confirming the diagnosis. Certain other tests which can be done are CT scan or MRI, blood, urine, CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid) tests.

TREATMENT OF THE WEST SYNDROME

Conventional treatment of the West syndrome will include ACTH (hormone), steroids like prednisone, Vigabatrin (medicine for seizure), and Vitamin B6. All these medications are given to control seizures.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR WEST SYNDROME

According to Ayurveda vitiation of Vata dosha is the cause of the West syndrome, hence the Ayurvedic medicines are given to pacify the Vata dosha and restore its balance with the other two doshas. There are many herbs and natural compounds in nature which possess the ability to treat such conditions naturally without the patient any further.

HERBAL REMEDIES OF PLANET AYURVEDA FOR WEST SYNDROME

Planet Ayurveda is a very renowned and reputed herbal pharmaceutical company that is involved in the production of herbal medicines and products which are used to treat various health ailments naturally by our experts at the clinic. Products and medicines from Planet Ayurveda are used worldwide and not only in India. For West syndrome, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies.

Products List

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

Products Description

1. Neurogenie Capsules

Neurogenie capsule is a herbal formulation that are manufactured using two therapeutic herbs, i.e. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These herbal capsules help in alleviating neurological disorders like West syndrome by treating causative factors naturally.

Dosage: Give 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Saraswatarisht

This Ayurvedic formulation is prepared using most therapeutic Medhya rasayanas like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) etc. Saraswatarishta helps in treating seizures and convulsions by fighting the brain infections, treating the disorders of the brain.

Dosage: Give 5ml twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Neuro Plan Syrup

Neuroplan is an Ayurvedic formulation that is prepared using herbs that have neuroprotective action like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Madukaparni (Centella asiatica), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) etc. This herbal syrup helps in fighting all kinds of diseases or disorders of the brain and helps in healing of the injury if there is any in the nervous system.

Dosage: Give 5ml twice daily after meals with plain water.

4. Kumar Kalyan Ras

Kumar Kalyan Ras is an Ayurvedic preparation formed using Shuddha parad (Purified mercury), Kumari rasa (Aloe vera juice extract), Mukta bhasma (Calx of pearl), Swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), Abhraka bhasma (Purified and processed mica), etc. These Ayurvedic tablets help in managing growth and developmental issues in West syndrome.

Dosage: Give 1 tablet once daily after meals with plain water.

5. Brahmi Ghrit

Brahmi ghrit is an Ayurvedic formulation that is prepared in the form of ghee using the Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) herb majorly. This herbal formulation helps in improving the brain’s function and boosts coordination and improves the sleep pattern.

Dosage: If child is below 7 years- 3 drops twice daily.

If the child is above 7 years: ½ teaspoon twice daily with warm milk.

6. Anu Tailam

Anu tailam is prepared using Hrivera (Coleus zeylanicus), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), Jalaada (Cyperus rotundus), Tvak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) etc. This herbal oil helps in various disorders and diseases caused due to vitiation or imbalance of Vata dosha.

Dosage: Put 2 drops in each nostril daily (only if the child is above 7 years of age)

CONCLUSION

West Syndrome is a rare condition about which is less known and also the conventional treatment is not very specific for it. Ayurveda can be the best mode of treatment to treat such conditions as Ayurveda will help to treat your child naturally without harming them any further. Our experts at Planet Ayurveda are always there to help you, you can email us at herbalremedies123@yahoo.com or get more info about us at www.PlanetAyurveda.com