West Syndrome and Its Ayurvedic Management - Infantile Syndrome

ABSTRACT

West Syndrome is a severe kind of epilepsy syndrome which begins in the first year of life. West Syndrome is also called infantile spasms and epileptic spasms as it manifests in infants and children. West syndrome is a group of symptoms manifested with epileptic spasms and abnormal brain wave patterns. It is further characterised by intellectual disability. The syndrome hampers the physical and mental development of a child. Seizures last for one to two seconds each, the body suddenly bends forward with stiffness in the arms and legs. The seizures usually occur in a group of many spasms at a time. In the text below we shall discuss some details of the west syndrome and its management. Let’s discuss!!

INTRODUCTION

West syndrome manifests as three main characteristics - infantile spasms, irregular brain pattern (hypsarrhythmia) as seen on an electroencephalogram (EEG) and delay in achieving developmental milestones. The disease manifests in between four to eight months. The condition is linked to birth injuries and hereditary and genetic defects. In this painful and debilitating condition, finding out the exact cause is important so that the causative factor can be corrected and a child can live his life to the fullest.  The child suddenly bends forward with stiffness in the extremities. In Ayurveda, the condition is correlated with vata dosha vitiation and manovaha srotas dushti as the vata dosha is responsible for all the neurological problems.

CAUSES

1. X-linked West Syndrome may be caused by a mutation in CDKL5 gene or ARX gene.
2. Brain injury during birth
3. Brain structure abnormality (malformation)
4. Genetic mutations such as Down syndrome
5. Neurocutaneous disorders
6. Metabolic disorders.
7. Infections
8. Lack of oxygen supply to the brain

SYMPTOMS 

1. Epileptic spasms begin instantly and last for only a few seconds and arise in a bunch that lasts for twenty minutes.
2. Episodes may occur at awakening and after feeding.
3. Sudden and involuntary stiffness in the neck, head  and trunk.
4. Loss of appetite
5. Alternate sleep pattern
6. Slowed development
7. Regression

EVALUATION AND DIAGNOSIS

1. Electroencephalography: hypsarrhythmia is the pattern that suggests the presence of west syndrome.
2. Brain Scans: CT Scan and MRI can help in finding an abnormality.
3. Blood tests, urine tests and lumbar puncture are of help in ruling out any infective origin of the conditions.
4. Wood’s lamp examination is used for examining skin lesions.
5. Molecular genetic testing to check gene mutations.

MANAGEMENT

• Anticonvulsants
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
• Steroid (Prednisolone)
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
• Benzodiazepines
• Valproic acid
• Rufinamide (anti seizure drug)
• Zonisamide (sulfonamide anticonvulsant)
• Ketogenic diet - high fat and low carbohydrates
  

SURGERY

• In case of brain lesions, with surgery the lesions are excised.
• Corpus Callosotomy (split brain surgery).
  

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT 

Ayurveda’s concept of treating a disorder depends on the pacification of the vitiated dosha. And the cause of  West Syndrome is vata vitiation. Hence, pacifying vata is the main aim, as if the vata gets neutralised the west syndrome will go away. There are many herbs that are known as medhya and vata pacifying. Using these herbs positively reflects good results.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR WEST SYNDROME BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a well known GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adhered to the aim of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in the various ancient texts of Ayurveda. formulations are manufactured without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring agents which causes a number of side effects on the human body. Products prepared at Planet Ayurveda are pure and do not contain any kind of adulteration. The products are purely organic and vegetarian and gluten free.

FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF PRODUCTS THAT ARE GREAT IN MANAGING WEST SYNDROME

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

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

1. Neurogenie Capsules

Neurogenie capsules filled with the herbs which are described in ayurvedic texts as medhya which means it promotes and improves neurological functions. The formulation contains the herbs ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). As these are helpful in enhancing muscle health and nerve conduction and their coordination and possess analgesic properties which makes it a choice in West Syndrome.

2. Saraswatarisht

Saraswatarisht is a classical arisht formulation which is filled with many useful herbs such as brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), adrak (Zingiber officinale), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), dhatki pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa), pippali (Piper longum), lavang (Syzygium aromaticum) and others. Saraswatarisht is vata pacifying. Therefore it is beneficial in vata rog aggravation. By neutralising vata dosha, it is useful in West Syndrome.

Dosage: 5ml twice a day with water after meals.

3. Neuro Plan Syrup

Neuro Plan Syrup is a magical formulation for enhancing neurological wellness and treating all the neurological ailments. The syrup contains a number of herbs which necessarily aids West Syndrome. The ingredients include mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculata), madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra), pippali (Piper longum), maricha (Piper nigrum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) etc. All the herbs are known to have medhya properties which means these are helpful in maintaining a good neurological health. The herbs heal the damage of the nerves. Further the syrup possesses vata pacifying properties. Thus useful in West Syndrome.

Dosage : 5ml twice a day with water after meals.

4. Kumar Kalyan Ras

Kumar kalyan ras is a classical ayurvedic formulation. It promotes neurological well being. It pacifies the vata dosha. It further helps as an anticonvulsant and provides strength to the nervous system.

Dosage : One once daily to be chewed after meals.

5. Brahmi Ghrit

Brahmi Ghrit is a classical medicated clarified butter. Brahmi Ghrit is known to cure problems linked with the central nervous system. It contains the herb brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), vacha (Acorus calamus), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), kutha (Saussura lappa) and cow ghee.  It strengthens nerves. Brahmi ghrit pacifies the vata dosha. It is useful in epileptic conditions. Therefore it manages West Syndrome with much efficacy and prevents seizures.

Dosage : If the child is below 7 years of age then 3 drops twice a day after meals. And if the child is above 7 years then half tsp twice with warm milk

6. Anu Tailum

As per Ayurveda, nostrils are the way to the brains. Therefore, instilling oil drops in the nostrils reaches the brains and produces its effect. Anu tail contains a variety of herbs including shallaki (Boswellia serrata), prishniparni (Uraria picta), goat milk, vayavading (Embelia ribes), aguru (Aquilaria agallocha) , daruharidra (Berberis aristata), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), musta (Cyperus rotundus), bilva (Aegles marmelos), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), devdar (Cedrus deodara), til tail (Sesamum indicum) etc. Instilling Anu tailum is beneficial in the condition of brain disorders and improves well perception of the sense organs. Hence it is an exclusive remedy by Ayurveda in disorders of head, neck, nose, ear and throat. It prevents and cures neurological disorders. Thus, in managing the West Syndrome Anu tailum as nasal drops are vitall. Anu taiolum nasya can be used daily.

Usage : Two drops are installed in each nostril only if the child is 7 years old and above.

CONCLUSION 

West Syndrome is a troublesome and debilitating condition. Children with the syndrome face development problems and they cannot live a life to the fullest. Furthermore, the treatment protocol offered by the contemporary system of medicine is full of side effects and so risky. It provides medications that can harm the general health while treating one condition. Brain surgeries are crucial and are risky. Whereas in the traditional science of Ayurveda, the herbs provide nutrition and strength to the neurons. Furthermore, the herbs enhance brain functioning and help a child with West Syndrome. In addition to this, the products mentioned above helps in achieving developmental milestones and promotes well functioning of the brain and also helps the seizures and stiffness caused by West Syndrome.