Ayurvedic Treatment for Dravet Syndrome : Symptoms, Causes & Herbal Supplement

Abstract

Developmental Disorders are a group of conditions that impact the typical development of physical, cognitive and emotional abilities in children. These can affect various areas including learning, motor skills, communication and social interactions. Most usually the cause behind these developmental disorders is genetic and also idiopathic. However, the causes of these disorders are often complex and can involve genetic, environmental, or prenatal factors. Dravet Syndrome is such a disorder that obstructs the normal behaviour of the children. It is usually known to be caused by mutations in the specific gene. In the article, we shall be discussing Dravet Syndrome and its management.

Introduction

Dravet Syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in infancy, often presenting with frequent, prolonged seizures. It is a lifelong condition that can affect various aspects of development, including cognitive, motor, and speech skills. While the exact cause of Dravet Syndrome is most commonly linked to mutations in a specific gene, the condition’s impact can vary widely between individuals. Alongside seizures, children with Dravet Syndrome may experience additional challenges such as developmental delays and heightened sensitivity to certain stimuli. In Ayurveda, this condition can be related with beej dushti or beejavyava dushti, which is nothing but a genetic condition. Let’s have a look at the causes, symptoms and management of the condition.

Causes

Genetic mutations

Nonsense mutations in the SCN1A gene, which encodes a sodium channel protein involved in electrical signaling in the brain.

Signs and Symptoms

• Febrile and non febrile seizures
• Psychomotor delay
• Ataxia
• Cognitive impairment
• Behavioural disorders
• Motor deficits
• Somnolence and insomnia
• Hyperactivity

Investigations

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Neurological examination
• Genetic testing

Management

• Anticonvulsant medications
• Ketogenic diet
• Psychomotor and speech therapy

Ayurvedic view and Management

Dravet Syndrome is a genetic condition that is characterised by developmental delay, seizures and other associated conditions. In Ayurveda, there is no direct correlation of the condition with any ayurvedic disease. However, being a genetic condition this can be seen at par with the concept of beej (seed) and beejavyava dushti. This can occur due to parents’ bad deeds and the error occurs at the time of fertilization. However, the deeds done in the past life are also considered to be behind the occurrence of conditions of genetic origin. The description of Beej Bhaga Dushti is found in the Khuddika Garbhavakranti chapter of Charak Samhita.

The genetic or beej dushti or beejavyava dushti results in the imbalance of the dosha. In this condition all the three doshas are vitiated. So correcting the dosha imbalance and preserving this balance helps in maintaining the overall wellness of the patient. Senses and emotions are administered by sadhak pitta, tarpaka kapha and prana vata. When pitta vitiated emotions are affected and sometimes causes bursting of frustration and sometimes also results in seizures/convulsions/fits. The management of the condition can be done by medhya herbs and according to the dosha involved as the condition is genetic and cannot be reversed or purely cured. However, ayurveda can help people with Dravet Syndrome to live a normal and respectful life. The herbs include Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Kushmand (Benincasa hispida), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and others.

The medicines are Brahmi vati, Shankhpushpi syrup, Smriti sagar ras, Arvindasav, Saraswata Ghrit, Saraswatarisht, Manasmaita vati, Brahmi ghrit, Panchgavya ghrit, Mahakalyanaka ghrit. Shirodhara to be done using Ksheerabala taila, Dashamoola decoction, Mahamasha taila, Mahanarayan taila, Brahmi ghrit and ghee.

Herbal Remedies for Dravet Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned GMP certified ayurvedic company and formulary unit. Planet Ayurveda’s products are pure and free of chemicals. The products are made as per mentioned in the ayurvedic texts. Planet Ayurveda has been dealing with a number of chromic and complicated diseases successfully. The products are genuine and free from additives and preservatives. Planet Ayurveda is pleased to inform you about a list of products that are helpful in managing the condition of Dravet Syndrome quite efficiently.

List as below

1. Saraswatarisht
2. Medhya Churna
3. Brahmi Vati
4. Neuro Plan Syrup
5. Jivantyadi Ghrit
6. Pitta Balance
7. Energo Plan Syrup

Description :

1. Saraswatarisht

Saraswatarisht is a classical ayurvedic liquid formulation that is indicated in mental and brain related problems. The product is filled up with the goodness of a number of herbs that have mind and brain empowering properties. The herbs such as brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), vacha (Acorus calamus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), baheda (Terminalia billerica), pipali (Piper longum), nisotha (Operculina turpethum), khas (Vetiveria zizanioides) and various others. All these help in maintaining the overall functioning of the brain and also promotes mental well being. Saraswatarisht is a perfect remedy for the developmental delay that is a prime symptom of Dravet Syndrome.

Dosage : One tsp to be taken twice a day after meals.

2. Medhya Churna

Medhya Churna is a patent product of Planet Ayurveda that contains a number of herbs that are known for their cognition enhancing properties. The herbs such as vacha (Acorus calamus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), sonth (Zingiber officinale), patha (Cissampelos pareira), brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and others make it a perfect herbal blend that is indeed beneficial in controlling the seizures, cognitive and behavioural disarray associated with Dravet Syndrome.

Dosage : One pinch daily to be taken after meals.

3. Brahmi Vati

Brahmi Vati is a classical ayurvedic tablet formulation for brain health. The main ingredient brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is a panacea for the brain or mental disorders. Brahmi enhances brain functions, boosts memory and concentration and also manages and normalises the coordination between brain and other motor functions. Brahmi is helpful in averting seizures and betters the cognition of the person with Dravet Syndrome.

Dosage : One tablet twice daily to be crushed and taken after meals.

4. Neuro Plan Syrup

Neuro Plan Syrup is a formulation of Planet Ayurveda and works wonderfully in the disorders affecting the brain. It contains the goodness of a number of herbs including brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), madhuyasthi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), pippali (Piper longum) and various others. The syrup is a perfect remedy to manage the symptoms of the condition as it strengthens the brain and promotes normal behaviour and cognition of an individual. Anticonvulsant and medhya properties help in the ASD-like symptoms that are also seen in Dravet Syndrome.

Dosage : One tsp twice a day after meals.

5. Jivantyadi Ghrit

Jivantyadi Ghrit is a classical ayurvedic ghrita formulation with infused properties of the herbs such as jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), kakoli (Lilium polyphyllum), lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and various others. It has neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties that help in containing the symptoms of the disorder. Jivantyadi Ghrit promotes mental well-being and intellect and helps in developmental delays and behavioural disorders. Its helpful properties make it an excellent formulation for managing Dravet Syndrome.

Dosage : One fourth tsp in milk twice a day after meals.

6. Pitta Balance

Pitta Balance is a product of Planet Ayurveda that is made up of cold potency minerals such as kaharava pishti, mukta pishti, jaharmohra pishti, akik pishti and giloy satva. All these ingredients exhibit cold properties and are useful in the maintenance of emotional well-being and also help in soothing nerves. In the condition of Dravet Syndrome, Pitta Balance is a perfect blend of natural calcium compounds that not only stabilise the emotions of a person but also helps in establishing mental well-being of the person with the said condition. Moreover, the formulation averts seizures by its anticonvulsant properties.

Dosage : One capsule twice a day after meals.

7. Energo Plan Syrup

Energo Plan Syrup is a patent product of Planet Ayurveda. The product contains health-promoting herbs such as jeevanti (Leptadenia reticulata), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), shigru (Moringa oleifera), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and others. Energo Plan Syrup helps in replenishing low energy levels. It provides strength to the brain, nerves and overall bodily tissues that is required to calm and strengthen the mind. By nourishing actions, Energo Plan Syrup prevents seizure attacks and makes them less intense. Therefore, the syrup is indeed helpful in managing the said condition.

Dosage : Two tsp twice a day after meals.

Conclusion

Dravet Syndrome is a condition caused by mutation in a specific gene. That results in developmental conditions that are characterised by behavioural and cognitive alterations or in other words they’re quite not so good at communication and social. Dravet Syndrome being a genetic condition cannot be cured but the condition can be well managed. In the modern medicinal system there is no viable management for the condition as anticonvulsant medications can have side effects that may further deteriorate the life conditions of the patients with the condition. Comparatively, in the ayurvedic medicinal system the condition can be well managed with natural and efficient herbal remedies that can improve the behavioural and cognition of the person with Dravet Syndrome.