Treatment of West Syndrome With Ayurvedic Herbs

Abstract

We all know that the world is full of surprises, sometimes certain surprises make us happy and lively. But on other times you might feel shocked. Nowadays the most shocking thing is the appearance of diseases or disorders. Sometimes a person is not even ready to think that he or she is having some illness. Though many illnesses are even approached or talked about sarcastically so as to reduce the tension associated with that condition. On the other hand there are some conditions which are only in children or infants, that’s something more shocking and difficult to digest. This article is all about one such condition which is exclusive in infants and it is called West syndrome. The article also has information about treatment related to West syndrome.

Introduction

The West syndrome, often called infantile spasms, are a very rare and very specific type of seizure. It is having a specific characteristic age of onset which means it is having a typical age when seizures start. An electroencephalogram shows a definite pattern which specifies west syndrome. This pattern is called hypsarrhythmia. This combination of infantile spasms, age for the onset of spasm and electroencephalogram patterns are suggestive of West syndrome. The condition is named after Dr. William West. He had described this condition first in his 4-month old son in 1841.

Key Highlights of West Syndrome

Named after Dr. William West who first encountered this condition in his 4 months old son in 1841.
West syndrome is a combination of infantile spasms, particular age for the onset and hypsarrhythmia pattern in electroencephalogram.
The spasms in this case are frequent and are in clusters. Thus result in delayed diagnosis.
The prevalence of west syndrome is about one in around 3000 children.
The infant may cry during seizure or after seizure
Sometimes these spasms are mistaken as cramps of colic. But the cramps of colic do not happen in series.
There will be developmental regression or loss of developmental milestones.

Causes of West Syndrome

The causes of west syndrome according to modern science are injury to the brain. It can also be due to the developmental anomalies of brain structure and can also be caused due to genetic mutations or metabolic disorders. In many cases no case is found.

On the other hand Ayurveda has something specific related to the west syndrome. Ayurveda mentions that the condition is the result of vata dosha aggravation which can be due to bheej dushti bhava or can develop gradually after birth as well. If the aggravation of kinetic energy is due to beej dushti bhava then beej dushti can be the result of parental factors or can exclusively be due to the motherly factors.

Symptoms of West Syndrome

As mentioned before, West syndrome has typical involvement of three factors and one of them is infantile spasm. Infantile spasms do not happen alone, it is associated with other symptoms as well. Below are the symptoms for west syndrome in detail

symptoms of west syndrome

1. Infantile Spasms

These are having a typical movement in spasm. These spasms include sudden flexion that is bending forward. This bending forward is in the tonic fashion of the body that is stiffening. The stiffening of arms and legs is generally observed and they flung outwards. This is called extensor spasms. Sometimes the spasm may involve a flexor movement followed one to two seconds later by extensor movement. Usually both sides of the body are affected by these spasms. The spasms last for one to two seconds and there is pause for around 5- 10 seconds, then followed by another spasm. Spasm may only happen singly but in infantile spasms, the spasms are in clusters or runs. In a cluster they can range between 5-20 and even more.

2. Irritability and Not Taking The Feeds

The babies with infantile spasm become irritable and generally do not prefer to take their feeds. Their sleep pattern changes and they sleep more during the day and less at night.

3. Development

The development of the child may slow down or seem to go backwards. The spasms generally develop in the first 4 to 8 months of life and are most commonly noticed in the fifth month. All of these symptoms are the typical characteristics of vata dosha aggravation in the infantile body.

Diagnosis of West Syndrome

There Are Different Methods For Diagnosing The West Syndrome. These Are

The diagnosis of infantile spasms is done by detailed account or history of seizures from someone who has seen them. In this case a video can also help as the spasms are in clusters. The reason for this is that there are a number of non epileptic conditions and colic which can be confused with infantile spasms.
The diagnosis of this condition is made when there is a combination of symptoms or clinical features along with a typical EEG or Electroencephalogram.
The EEG or Electroencephalogram shows a very disorganized pattern of waves called hypsarrhythmia. EEG is very abnormal in infants suffering from west syndrome. But in certain cases the abnormality is only seen while sleeping.
After an EEG there is a requirement of MRI or magnetic resonance imaging as well.
Other tests like blood tests, urine tests and fluid from the spine is tested so that primary cause can be ruled out.

Treatment of West Syndrome

The main treatment for west syndrome is done by corticosteroids. The nitrazepam, sodium valproate and zonisamide can also be helpful.
Steroidal doses of prednisolone, hydrocortisone and tetracosactide are given.
The steroids are to be used carefully because they come with side effects. In addition generally a combination of vigabatrin (a neurotransmitter inhibitor) along with steroids is said to be working well.

Ayurvedic Aspect of West Syndrome

As aforementioned, the west syndrome is the result of aggravated vata dosha in the body. The aggravated vata dosha is responsible for imbalance in the brain waves as well. The spasms are also the result of excess vata dosha in the body and this aggravated vata dosha in the body also results in delayed or absence of developmental milestones in the child. Vata is responsible for movements in the human body, whether voluntary or involuntary. The unwanted involuntary movements are caused due to aggravated vata dosha in the body and hence results in spasms. The whole condition in west syndrome along with developmental delays is the result of Vata aggravation in this condition.

Herbal Remedies By Planet Ayurveda for West Syndrome

Planet Ayurveda is an ISO certified company which has certification of HALAL, KOSHAR, FDA and others.Planet Ayurveda manufactures various form of formulation in tablets (vati), capsules, syrups, decoctions (kwath), jams (avaleha) and others. The products prepared by Planet Ayurveda are totally herbal and do not contain any type of adulterants, fillers, dyes, flavour enhancing agents, binders etc. The herbal preparations manufactured or prepared by Planet Ayurveda are potent and are used in various types of conditions. Following are the formulations which can be used in the management of West syndrome

NEUROGENIE CAPSULES
SARASWATARISHT
NEURO PLAN SYRUP
KUMAR KALYAN RAS
BRAHMI GHRIT
ANU TAILAM

Product Description

1. Neurogenie Capsules

Neurogenie capsules are genies for the entire neural system. As the name of the formulations suggests, neuro represents the nervous system and genie relates to the magnificent effect it shows on the entire nervous system. Neurogenic has two ingredients that are brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is the member of medhya rasayana (four herbs for hardware and software of the brain). On the other hand ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is the one which is extensively known for its protective effect on the nerves. All over the neurognenie capsules help in subsiding the over activity of the brain and hence maintains the normal functioning of the brain along with neural transmission.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals. In case of small children the capsules can be opened and given to after mixing in water.

2. Saraswatarisht

Saraswatarisht is a classical formulation which is having ingredients like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa), Harad (Terminalia chebula), Khas (Vetiveria zizanioides), Adrak (Zingiber officinale) and many others. The formulation has a direct result in the anulomana of vata dosha and also helps in slowing down the excited nervous system. Theis Ayurvedic preparation helps in enhancing the developmental milestones as well. Generally there may be some signs of autism like slurred speech, low grasping power and partial loss of memory in west syndrome which can be successfully managed using this preparation.

Dosage: 5ml Twice daily after meals in equal amounts of water.

3. Neuro Plan Syrup

Neuro plan is a powerful formulation. This formulation is prepared With herbs like Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Bhojpatra (Betula utilis), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Madhuyashti (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and pippali (Piper longum). The neuroplan syrup helps in relieving the discomfort felt due to recurrent spasms. The patent formulation is helpful in pacification of vata dosha due to its potent ingredients. In addition, it also enhances intelligence and intellect. The neuroplan makes sure that neuronal transmission is balanced and there is no disturbance in the brain waves.

Dosage: 5ml Twice daily after meals in equal amounts of water.

4. Kumar Kalyan Ras

The kumar kalyan ras as its name suggests is prepared for the kumar that is a child. The formulation which is especially prepared for children’s benefit is kumar kalyan ras. Kumar kalyan ras is prepared using ingredients like Ras-sindoor (shuddha parda) or purified mercury, Mukta bhasma (calx/ bhasma of pearl), Swarna bhasma (bhasma of gold), Abhrak bhasma (bhasma of purified mica), Loha bhasma (bhasma prepared from the iron) and Makshika bhasma (bhasma of copper and iron pyrite). The formulation has great results in subsiding many symptoms in these conditions and also helps in improving a child’s overall health. In addition, it helps in correcting many metabolic disorders especially in children. Kumar kalyan ras is known to ensure the overall development of the child.

Dosage: One tablet once daily after meals. In case of small children you can crush the tablet and mix it with water and then administer to the child.

5. Brahmi Ghrit

The brahmi ghrit is a classical preparation which is having ingredients like brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), bach (Acorus calamus), kuth (Saussurea pluricaulis) and shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis). Brahmi ghrit is prepared with ancient ayurvedic principles and gives great results. The formulation is known to enhance and improve the intelligence, learning skills in children and all other brain functions along with balancing the normal neurological transmission. This ghrit acts as an rasayan and has antioxidant properties. The formulation has adaptogenic properties and is also really effective in many neurological and psychological conditions.

Dosage: Three drops twice daily upto the age of 7 years. If the child is above the age of seven years then half tsp twice a day with warm milk.

6. Anu Tailam

Anu tailam is a classical oil preparation which is having ingredients like Til taila (sesame oil), daruharidra (Berberis aristata), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), shallaki (Boswellia cereta), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and many others. All of these ingredients help in the pacification of kapha and vata dosha in the body. The oil is inserted through the nasal route and it gives very great results in all types of neurological conditions whether in children or in adults. Moreover, the til oil helps in fighting free radicals in your body which in turn reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases.

How to use: Two drops twice a day in each nostril, only if the child is above the age of 7 years.

Conclusion

The west syndrome is very common in infants and the child suffering from this condition has low life expectancy. Moreover, if the child survives then the disorientation of general functions is still present. In such cases where Modern medicine can not show any hope Ayurveda gives hope to many families. The formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda in west syndrome help in managing the situation really well and give impressive results. The formulations are totally herbal and do not have any type of fillers, dyes additives etc.

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