ANGELMAN SYNDROME

AS is a rare genetic neuro-developmental disorder characterized by severe developmental delay, sleep disorders, jerky movements and frequent laughter .

It was first discovered in the year 1965 by a British Pediatrician, Dr. Harry Angelman.

The syndrome is caused by an abnormality in a region of chromosome 15 and it’s usually not recognized at birth.

AS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 3 and 7.

The main characteristics of this syndrome are delayed motor skills, minimal or absence of speech, developmental delay, ataxia (shaky and unsteady movements), seizures, constant happy behavior that includes frequent laughing, smiling and excitability.

The exact prevalence of AS is unknown, but it is estimated that it affects 1 in 12000-20000 people.

SYMPTOMS OF AS

• Developmental delays usually noticeable between 6 to 12 months.
• In addition to this there may be sucking difficulties and problems with feeding, lack of crawling or babbling
• Seizures are reported in 80% of cases

 Following are the clinical symptoms :

     1) Consistent Features (100%)

• Develpomental delay
• Speech Impairment, minimal or no use of words though non-verbal communication skills are higher
• Ataxia (balance disorder)
• Frequent laughter, easily excitable with hand flapping movements, short attention span

     2) Frequent Features (80%-99%)

• Microcephaly (smallness of head circumference)
• Seizures
• Abnormal EEG

     3) Associated Features (20%-80%)

• Protruding tongue
• Swallowing disorders
• Hypopigmented skin and eyes (light coloured).
• Wide mouth, wide spaced teeth.
• Mouthing
• Sleep disorders
• Fascination to water
• Increased sensitivity to heat.
• Uplifted, flexed arms during walking.
• Frequent drooling.
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

• The diagnosis and testing of AS is usually carried out after the baby is born.
• A blood test can detect most of the individuals with AS by identifying whether the UBE3A gene is functioning properly or not.
• Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) test.
• CGH Array test.

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms

Few homoeopathic medicine can be thought of in the management of angelman syndrome are:

hyoscyamus, belladonna, cocculus, crocus, stramonium, baryta carb., etc.