Dravet Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms, Herbal Remedies and Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Dravet syndrome (DS), which is characterized by pleomorphic seizure activity, cognitive decline, and motor and behavioral deficits, is one of the most peculiar and uncommon early infancy intractable epileptic encephalopathies. Another name for it is severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy or SMEI. The most typical type of seizure in those with DS are convulsive seizures. After the original incidence, anomalous behavior persists for a very long period. The causes, signs, and remedies of the syndrome are discussed on this page from both angles.

INTRODUCTION

It is a rare form of early-onset genetic epilepsy syndrome that manifests as intractable epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delays. The condition known as “epileptic encephalopathy” is characterised as behavioural regression or worsening and cognitive loss brought on by epileptogenic activity throughout the era of brain maturation. After the onset of seizures in infancy, neurodevelopmental deficits escalate to severe neurologic dysfunction as DS becomes older. It shows up as persistent motor and cognitive impairment in adults. Convulsive, myoclonic, absence, focal, obtundation status, and tonic seizures are among the several types of seizures that can occur in DS. In addition to linguistic impairment, the majority of patients also experience cognitive impairment, executive dysfunctions, visual perception, and visual motor integration. Patients display angry, agitated, compulsive, preservationist, and hoarding behaviours. Patients with DS have a higher infant death rate, while some make it to adulthood. The most frequent causes of mortality for DS patients are status epilepticus and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

CAUSES

1. In 80–90% of instances, a mutation in the SCN1A gene is connected to Dravet syndrome.
2. SCN1A is a member of a gene family that produces sodium channels, which support brain cell function.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

1. Dravet syndrome typically lasts for an extended period of time. It only affects one side of the body, and may be followed by seizures on the other side of the body. These early seizures are commonly brought on by high temperatures (febrile seizures). Alterations in temperature, like getting out of the bath, could also be the cause.
2. Status epilepticus, which happens when seizures don’t cease or occur frequently, might develop from them when they frequently last more than five minutes.

MANAGEMENT

1. The main aim of the management of Dravet syndrome is to reduce seizure frequency and duration.
2. Following a ketogenic diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates may help people with Dravet syndrome better regulate their seizure activity.
3. Stimulation of vagus nerve.

COMPLICATIONS

1. People with Dravet syndrome may lose cognitive and developing skills.
2. Speech defects
3. Difficulty in walking
4. Chronic infections
5. Sleeping issues
6. Nutritional and growth problems
7. Sensory integration disorders etc

AYURVEDIC VIEW

It is correlated with Apsmaar. According to Acharya Charak, loss of memory is known as Apasmar. It is a mental illness. It starts in childhood itself. In this disease, there is darkness in front of the patient’s eyes due to confusion in the patient’s mind. The patient starts dancing, clapping his hands and legs; his body starts trembling; he throws foam or gas from his mouth.

NIDAN OF APASMARA

Charak Chikitsa 10/4,5

1. Ahitkar and apavitra bhojan karna (eating unwholesome and impure food)
2. Whose mind is oppressed by Rajo Guna and Tamo Guna
3. Perform physical activities contrary to the rules
4. Whose body has become very emaciated/weak
5. Worry, lust, fear, grief, excitement etc

SAMPRAPTI

Charak Chikitsa 10/6

In Apasmara there is vitiation of vata, pitta and kapha dosha along with rajo and tamo guna. When the tridoshas along with rajo and tamo guna get aggravated and located in the heart, then they affect the channels of senses and finally results in memory loss.

SAMPRAPTI GHATAKA

1. Dosha- Vata, pitta, kaph, rajo and tamo
2. Dushya- Smriti (memory)
3. Adhisthana- Hridya and Sangyavahi strotas (heart and channels of senses).

POORVAROOPA (PRE SYMPTOMS)

1. The defects coming from the arteries take shelter in the heart and cause pain to the heart and the patient becomes distressed due to heart pain.
2. He loses consciousness and becomes bewildered.
3. His mind gets confused due to which non-existent forms start appearing before his eyes.
4. The patient stumbles and falls.
5. The tongue and eyes begin to quiver.
6. Saliva starts dripping from mouth
7. He keeps throwing his arms and legs and when the velocity of dosh ends then he regains consciousness and feels as if he is waking up from sleep.

TYPES OF APASMARA

1. Vataj: Due to the vitiated vata, patients keep shivering, gnashing their teeth, foaming from the mouth, breathing quickly, and seeing the shapes of rough red and black characters.

1. Pittaj: Yellow foam kept coming out of the mouth of a patient suffering from pittaj apasmaar.  His body, mouth, and eyes are yellow. He feels thirsty and feels hot in his body. When the disease reaches its peak, he sees the world engulfed in flames.
2. Kaphaj: The foam on the mouth, body, mouth, and eyes of a patient suffering from epilepsy is white. The body is cold but heavy. He feels thrilled. At the beginning of the vega, he becomes unconscious after seeing many white forms and comes to his senses late.
3. Sannipataj: This type of Apasmara includes all the symptoms of vata, pitta and kapha.

SADHYA ASADHYATA

Vataj , pittaj, kaphaj are sadhya (manageable), and the tridoshaj is asadhya (non manageable).

MANAGEMENT OF APASMARA

1. Vaman (induced vomiting)
2. Virechan (induced purgation)
3. Basti (medicated enema)
4. Tikshana nasya (putting medicated nasal drops)
5. Ashvasan chikitsa (assurance)

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR DRAVET SYNDROME BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is an herbal pharmaceutical company that produces pure herbal medicines. The company is GMP certified. The medicines of Planet Ayurveda give the best results for different types of diseases. Planet Ayurveda provides natural supplements that support overall health. Each product from Planet Ayurveda is made with pure herbal extracts. Here is a list of some products used for Dravet syndrome.

1. Saraswatarisht
2. Medhya churna
3. Brahmi vati
4. Jeevantyadi Ghrita
5. Pitta balance
6. Energoplan Syrup
7. Neuroplan Syrup

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. SARASWATARISHT

This is a classical preparation of Planet Ayurveda having the ingredients like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vidarikand (Pueraria tuberosa), and many more. They are used especially to address memory and cognitive deficiencies. It has been suggested that Saraswatarishta can help with problems of the central nervous system. It aids in the treatment of severe anxiety, exhaustion, insomnia, partial memory loss, poor grasping ability, and slurred speech. Saraswataristha has a valuable quality of vata balancing. It is useful in treating anxiety disorders. It is also known for its medhya (increasing intelligence), a property that enhances mental capacity. It also has deepan (Appetizer), and Pachan (digestive) properties that reduces the ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion).

Dosage: 1 spoon twice daily.

2. MEDHYA CHURNA

It is an excellent formulation by Planet Ayurveda which includes the ingredients like Vacha (Acorus calamus), Ashwgandha (Withania somnifera), Ajmoda (Carum roxburghianum), and many others. Medhya churna is beneficial to reduce anxiety and also to boost self confidence.It is a herbal medication used to improve the neurological system. It also improves memory capacity and brain functions. It is also beneficial in improving focus, concentration and mental clarity as well.

Dosage: 1 pinch daily.

3. BRAHMI VATI

This is an amazing product made by Planet Ayurveda which includes ingredients like Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus), and many others. This works amazingly on the brain by improving memory retention. It also acts on the immune system. Brahmi vati has antidepressant and sleep promoting effects. It also increases quality of life and decreases blood pressure. Brahmi is used as a solution for seizures. It also helps to improve inflammation.

Dosage: 1 twice daily to be crushed.

4. JIVANTYADI GHRITA

This is an classical ayurvedic formulation having ingredients like Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Pippali (Piper longum), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), and many others. Also helpful in reducing mood swings, relieving symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, seasonal affective disorders, insomnia. This is also helpful in balancing the tridoshas of the body. This ghrita has the property of balancing vata and pitta Dosha.

Dosage: 1 tsp  spoon with milk.

5. PITTA BALANCE

This is an amazing formulation of Planet Ayurveda, which includes ingredients like JaharMohra Pishti (a natural calcium compound), Giloy Satva (Tinospora cordifolia), and many others. Giloy is a well-known protector of neurons from inflammation. It also helps improve memory and learning capabilities. It also gives strength and nourishment to the body. Giloy normalises the physiological activities of the muscles and nerves.

Dosage: 1 capsule daily with plain water.

6. ENERGOPLAN SYRUP

This is an amazing product made by Planet Ayurveda which includes ingredients like Jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and many others. This herbal product boosts up the energy level of the body. It is also used as an anticonvulsant. Shatavari in this product helps to suppress seizures. Jeevanti in the product also diminishes the seriousness of the disease.

Dosage: 2 tablespoons twice a day.

7. NEUROPLAN SYRUP

This is the manufacturing of Planet Ayurveda including the ingredients like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and many others. It is a tonic used to pacify neurological conditions and weakness of the nerves. Brahmi in the product strengthens intellect and memory. Moreover, Mandukaparni is very beneficial for the brain and also prevents breakdown of the nerves. It also helps in enhancing mental functions.

Dosage: 2 teaspoons twice a day.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

CONCLUSION

Dravet syndrome (DS), which is characterised by pleomorphic seizure activity, cognitive decline, and motor and behavioural deficits, is one of the most peculiar and uncommon early-infancy intractable epileptic encephalopathies. It is a rare form of early-onset genetic epilepsy syndrome that manifests as intractable epilepsy and neurodevelopmental delays. It is correlated with Apsmaar. According to Acharya Charak, loss of memory is known as Apasmar. Planet Ayurveda provides the best management and herbal products for Dravet syndrome.