What is Isaacs syndrome? Types, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Neurological problems or disorders are defined as disorders affecting the brain, the nerves and spinal cord. Any biochemical, electrical abnormality or structural abnormality of the same results in a number of symptoms such as seizures, confusion, poor coordination, pain, paralysis, loss of sensation, delayed reflexes, muscle stiffness, etc. Isaacs Syndrome or neuromyotonia is one of the neurological disorders that can manifest in certain individuals. In the section below we shall see Isaacs syndrome in a little detail as well as its management in the traditional system of Ayurvedic medicine.

Introduction

Isaacs syndrome is an uncommon neuromuscular problem that occurs due to the hyperexcitability and persistent firing of the peripheral nerve axons that enact muscle fibers/strands or it is a type of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability that causes unconstrained muscular movement because of repetitive action potentials of the motor unit of peripheral origin. Isaac syndrome is also known as neuromyotonia and Isaac-Merton syndrome. The Isaacs syndrome or Neuromyotonia can be hereditary and acquired. In Ayurveda, the condition can be related with vata vyadhi as the vata dosha governs all the body movements within. Vata dosha is responsible for all the neurological functions – sensory and motor. Further we will see what causes, symptoms and all about Isaacs syndrome in detail.

Causes

Onset of the condition is between 15 to 60 years of age and most individuals experience symptoms before 40 years of age.

1. Acquired: Autoimmune mediated by antibodies against the neuromuscular junction.
2. Paraneoplastic: However the exact cause is unknown. Autoreactive antibodies may be detected in various neurological disorders.
3. Hereditary

Types

1. Chronic
2. Monophasic
3. Relapsing remitting

Signs and symptoms

1. Muscle cramps
2. Muscle stiffness – mostly prominent in the legs, face, neck, trunk and calves.
3. Slow relaxation of the muscles
4. Difficulty in walking
5. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
6. Myokymia (quivering of muscle)
7. Fasciculations (muscle twitching)
8. Exercise intolerance
9. Fatigue
10. Myoclonic jerks
11. Speech and breathing can be affected in case of involvement of the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles.

Investigations

1. Electromyography
2. Nerve conduction studies
3. Chest CT

Management

1. Anticonvulsants provide relief from muscle spasms, pain and stiffness.
2. Plasma exchange.
3. Botox injections.
4. Immunosuppressants such as Prednisone are quite beneficial in the condition but with not so ignorable side effects.

Ayurvedic aspect and management

• Ayurveda is a traditional system of Indian medicine that has been serving humanity from the ages. Ayurveda is a life science that not merely focuses on the management of certain diseases but also describes the daily regimen, food to be consumed and avoided according to the seasons. Ayurveda has mentioned about vata vyadhi (disorders related to vata dosha vitiation). Vata is responsible for all the motion and movements in and out of the body. As our body is made up of five elements and air is one of them. And this air element governs the body movements, sensations and motor functioning of the body. Air is directly compared with the vata (Vayu) dosha. And hence any vitiation of the vata dosha leads to the neurological symptoms including jerking movement, delayed motor reflexes, loss of sensation etc.
• In Isaacs syndrome, the neurological functions are hampered, which makes its comparison with vata vyadhi more obvious and well understood. Acharya Charak has given a detailed chapter in his textbook ‘Charak Samhita’. One of the subtypes of vayu known as ‘vyana vayu’ is particularly responsible for all the motor functioning. All the body is the seat of vyana vayu. Acharya Sushruta has called this vyana vayu as ‘sarvashareerchari’ meaning it roams everywhere inside the body. And Acharya Vagbhata has mentioned it as ‘maha vegvan’.
• Due to certain food habits and doings the vata dosha vitiates which hampers the muscular activity and results in painful contractions of the muscles with delayed response to the stimulus or no response at all.
• The condition can be managed with the aim to pacify the vitiated vata dosha.
• Massage with the oil and medicated enema is best to overcome the vitiated vata dosha symptoms.
• Swedana (sudation) is very beneficial in the patients diagnosed with vata vyadhi.
• Chitrakadi ghrita, baladi ghrita, errand tail, mahanarayan taila, nirgundi taila, pachmool taila, yavadi taila, sarvavataghan vishisht taila, shvadanshtra taila, rasna taila, ashwagandha taila, prasarni taila, atibala taila, rasna taila, amritadaya oil are some of the best preparation that effectively manages the condition of neuromyotonia.
• Dashmoola is the best medicine  in Ayurveda that efficiently manages the vata dosha vitiation. Triphala, rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), dalchini (Cinnamomum verum) , erand (Ricinus communis), guggulu (Commiphora mukul), sonth (Zingiber officinale) etc are some of the herbs that effectively corrects the vitiation of the vata dosha.
• Formulations that are available which benefits the individual suffering from Neuromyotonia are vata vidhwansan ras, yograj guggul, panchkol churna, rasraj ras, vatari guggulu, ashwagandharishta, dashmoolarishta, etc.

Herbal Remedies for Isaacs syndrome​ by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an eminent GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 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, vegetarian, gluten free and halal certified. Planet Ayurveda presents its product that effectively manages the condition of Isaacs syndrome.

Following is the list of formulations that are helpful in managing Isaacs syndrome

Product description

1. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin capsules are formulated with the herbs shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). Both the herbs possess antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. Boswellia Curcumin reduces the pain associated with neuromyotonia and also helps in the healing process of the injury related to nerves and muscles. Therefore, Boswellia Curcumin is beneficial in the condition of Isaacs syndrome.

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

2. ASHWAGANDHAGHAN VATI

Ashwagandhaghan Vati are enriched with the properties of the herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) which possesses rasayana properties. Ashwagandha contributes to the overall wellness by rejuvenating the body cells. Further it strengthens the muscles and helps in the demyelinating and degenerative conditions of the neurons. With this property it helps in alleviation of  associated symptoms of Isaacs syndrome. Further it improves neurological impulses thus helps in proper movements and sensations. Moreover, ashwagandha pacifies the vata dosha. Due to all these properties, Ashwagandhaghan Vati is helpful in managing Isaacs syndrome.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

3. BRAHMI GHRIT