AN OVERVIEW
Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is an unusual, inherited epilepsy syndrome which comprises a range of seizure disorders with varying severity. In other words, this condition can be described as a syndromic autosomal dominant disorder in which several epilepsy phenotypes can be exhibited by the afflicted individuals.
Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) characteristically causes febrile seizures and spontaneous seizures which can mostly be managed with the help of traditional antiepileptic drug therapy. The condition is typically associated with families in which several members belonging to different generations suffer from different types of epileptic seizures and probably even various epilepsy syndromes.
The wide-ranging epilepsy phenotypes exhibited by patients suffering from GEFS+ include febrile seizures (which are caused by a high fever, and generally occur from infancy up to the age of 6 years); and other types of recurrent seizures (epilepsy), including afebrile seizures (which are not linked to fever). In addition, some of the other epilepsy seizures which may extend beyond 6 years of age include myoclonic seizures (which cause involuntary twitching of muscles); absence seizures (which cause ‘staring spells’ or a brief loss of consciousness); and atonic seizures (which involve ‘drop attacks’ or occasional incidents of weakened muscle tone).
The description of GEFS+ as an epilepsy syndrome in its own right is a fairly recent development. As a result of the categorization of GEFS+ as an epilepsy syndrome, there are now three epilepsy disorders which are grouped under this condition:
- SMEI (Severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy or Dravet's syndrome)
- SMEB (borderline SMEI)
- IEC (Intractable epilepsy of childhood).
CAUSATIVE GENES
The commonly-perceived cause of Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) is: mutations (faults) in the sodium channel α subunit gene SCN1A.
Besides the SCN1A gene, there are some other genes which are also considered as the causative genes for the extremely complex GEFS+ disorder. These genes include: sodium channel β subunit gene SCN1B; a GABAA receptor γ subunit gene; the GABRG2 gene; and the PCDH19 gene related with calcium channel.
Overall, there are more than 20 different gene mutations which have been identified in the patients of GEFS+ and their family members.
DIAGNOSIS
For establishing the diagnosis of Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), doctors carefully examine the family history of the patients who suffer from febrile seizures beyond 6 years of age.
The examination of the family history or hereditary connection of GEFS+ patients also involves the doctor’s interaction with the closest family members of the patients. Doctors specifically talk to the patient’s grandparents because they may have some memory of their children or their nephews/nieces having suffered from febrile convulsions or other kinds of epilepsy seizures in childhood.
Moreover, for ascertaining the genetic link of GEFS+, the doctors may also require the patients to undergo a simple blood test which can be helpful in determining a number of small genetic abnormalities that are usually found in families afflicted with GEFS+.
MANAGEMENT
For the management of Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) in the long-term, doctors generally prescribe the use of anticonvulsant medications to the patients who exhibit febrile seizures. Patients who suffer from other seizures which are not associated with a high fever may be prescribes epilepsy medicines by the doctors.
Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company offers some very beneficial formulations which can be useful in managing Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). These formulations are safe to use because they are prepared by Ayurvedic experts, from 100% pure and natural herbs.
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of the ‘Ashwagandha’ (Withania somniferum) which is a very potent herb with immense medicinal value. This herb is widely known for its anti-inflammatory action, and for its ability to enhance the overall mental health of a person.
The use of Ashwagandha capsules is helpful in managing GEFS+ because these capsules can improve brain function, enhance heart health, reduce metabolic imbalances, increase muscle mass, strengthen the muscles, improve nerve functions, treat anxiety and depression, reduce hypertension, manage inflammation, rejuvenate the body, reduce ‘stress hormone’ levels, lower the blood sugar levels, and maintain the balance of ‘Vata’ and Pitta’ doshas of the body.
Recommended dosage of Ashwagandha capsules for managing Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus: 2 capsules with plain water, two times a day, after meals.
2. Brahmi Capsules
For preparing these capsules, the standardized extract of ‘Brahmi’ herb (Bacopa Monneiri) are used. Brahmi herb is used widely in Ayurvedic formulations because of its therapeutic value and its antioxidant properties. The herb is considered to be a powerful health tonic, aphrodisiac and memory enhancer.
GEFS+ patients can benefit from the use of Brahmi capsules because these capsules are helpful in boosting memory, re-building brain tissues, reducing stress and anxiety, strengthening the immune system, eliminating free radicals from the body, regulating the blood sugar levels, providing relief from inflammatory conditions, regulating blood pressure, and promoting mental health.
Recommended dosage of Brahmi capsules for managing Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus: 1 capsule two times a day, with plain water, after meals.
3. Kumar Kalyan Ras
A combination of some potent herbs and other natural components is used for preparing this beneficial herbal formulation. Kumarkalyan Ras is an amazing herbal-mineral Ayurvedic product which is particularly beneficial in managing paediatric and heart-related disorders. The product is also very useful for managing fever, cough, asthma, jaundice, vomiting and indigestion.
The herbal components of Kumarkalyan Ras include: Kumari Rasa (juice extract of Aloe Vera herb), Shuddha Parada (Purified Mercury), Mukta Bhasma (Calx of Pearl), Abhraka Bhasma (purified and processed Mica), Loha Bhasma (Calx of Iron), Swarna Bhasma (Bhasma of Gold), and Makshika Bhasma (Bhasma of Copper - Iron Pyrite).
Recommended dosage of Kumarkalyan Ras for managing Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus: One pill, 1-2 times a day; with milk, honey or sugar; before or after meals.
CONCLUSION
Planet Ayurveda's herbal formulations for the effective management of Generalised epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+) do not contain any chemicals, additives, starch, artificial colours, yeast, fillers or preservatives. However, it is recommended that GEFS+ patients should take these medicines after consulting an expert Ayurvedic practitioner.
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