About Alternative Treatments for Epilepsy

1. History 

   Alternative Medicine

   • With alternative therapies becoming increasingly popular, it is necessary to keep in mind that the effectiveness and safety of a particular alternative treatment for seizures may not be clinically proven. Studies indicate that successful alternative therapies generally are used in combination with anti-seizure medication. Following years of corroborated research, more doctors are now accepting alternative therapies like the ketogenic diet as conventional treatments for epilepsy. Reports show that between 30 percent to 50 percent of all patients receiving conventional medical treatments have at some point explored alternative therapy options.

   Types

   • Anti-seizure medication currently remains the most successful treatment for epilepsy. Yet more people are seeking information about alternative therapies to supplement conventional medical treatment, especially those individuals who continue to have trouble controlling their seizures. Alternative medicine takes in different kinds of therapies and may include biofeedback, chiropractic care, diet and supplements, herbs and even acupuncture. Be sure to check with your regular physician before receiving any alternative treatments. Also, tell the alternative medicine practitioner that you have epilepsy or other seizure disorder so that he can advise whether a particular treatment will be appropriate for your condition.

   Potential 

   Alternative Medicine

   • A recent study indicates that melatonin may reduce the incidence of seizures in children. However, another study found that melatonin actually might increase the risk of seizures. Melatonin may also interact with certain medications. While the findings are still uncertain, researchers say that melatonin does not appear to significantly help prevent seizures. Yet the benefits of melatonin on sleep are seen to have the potential for improving quality of life for the epileptic.

   Benefits

   • While it is not yet understood how the ketogenic diet prevents or reduces the number of epileptic seizures a person might experience, scientific studies show that it has been effective in reducing seizures in children who did not respond to normally prescribed anti-seizure medications. The ketogenic diet increases fat and restricts carbohydrates in order to force the body to metabolize more fat instead of sugar for energy. Total calories and fluids are carefully restricted; therefore, a doctor or dietitian should supervise the diet.

   Misconceptions

   • Whether biofeedback actually can be used to control seizures has not yet been determined. However, there is evidence that by learning to control these body functions, a person who has seizures triggered by anxiety may benefit from biofeedback therapy.The method involves teaching individuals different relaxation techniques, which help to regulate breathing, slow heart rate and lower blood pressure. These functions are measured with electrodes and displayed on a monitor screen so that a person can learn to recognize the differences between a stressed and relaxed state.

   Prevention/Solution

   • Some doctors recommend that people with epilepsy who also suffer allergies such as asthma or hay fever be checked for food allergies, which may be triggering the seizures. On a similar note, vitamin supplements such as folic acid, vitamin D, and calcium may be necessary in order to prevent loss of bone mass in people who take anti-seizure medication. Patients should talk to their neurologists before adding any alternative methods to their treatment regimens, as proper dosage of medication still seems to be the best way to prevent epileptic seizures.

   Warning 

   Alternative Medicine

   • Talk to your doctor before taking any nutritional supplements or herbal remedies, which may produce a stimulant effect. You may have to reduce or discontinue use of ginkgo, ephedra, tyrosine, guarana and ginseng. While herbal medicines are becoming more readily available, certain herbs that produce sedative effects can increase the adverse effects of anti-seizure medications. Herbal stimulants containing ephedrine taken in combination with caffeine contained in coffee, cocoa, colas or teas can induce or make seizures worse in people with epilepsy. Bear in mind, too, that like traditional medical treatments, individuals often respond differently to alternative therapies.

This post was written by:ahmedslem

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