For the millions of people who have epilepsy, or a childhood seizure disorder, there are many anti-convulsant medications available to control seizures. However, a lifetime on medication, or on high doses of several medications, to control seizures is something that troubles many. Like most medications, medications to control seizures have side effects that can be bothersome. Some anti-seizure medications require frequent blood tests. It is no wonder that people with epilepsy look to alternative treatments to control seizures.
Yoga
There are a number of alternative treatments that are used to control seizures, or reduce the number of seizures that a person is experiencing. Among these alternative treatments is yoga, which through the use of meditation, breath control, and yoga physical postures, is meant to restore balance to unbalanced physical and psychological unions in the body. Some studies show that controlled breathing can stop a seizure as it begins, or reduce the overall number of seizures that a person has. Other benefits include better physical health, and stress reduction.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a modality that teaches a person to relax through use of imagery and breathing. The level of relaxation achieved is measured by electrodes and a monitor. The person learning biofeedback is reminded of a stressful situation by the practitioner and then is guided into state of physical relaxation that can be seen on the monitor. The person can them use that imagery and breathing when in a stressful situation outside the practitioner’s office. High blood pressure can be reduced with biofeedback, but when it comes to seizure control, it is not as effective. However, if a person is triggered into a seizure by anxiety or high stress levels, biofeedback may help that person manage those triggers.
Diet
A small study at Johns Hopkins University showed that the Atkins Diet can help control seizures in children in a measurable way. The Atkins diet require a person to restrict their carbohydrate consumption to 10 grams of carbohydrates a day, while eating proteins and fats liberally. This produces a state in the body called ketosis, which means the body is burning fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. In this small study of six participants, two children and one teenager were able to achieve ketosis and reduce their seizures by an amazing 90%. The Atkins diet was not successful in the adults in the study as they never reached ketosis.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the brain and supplements are used as an aid for those with trouble to getting to sleep. One study showed that a melatonin supplement decreased seizures in children, while another showed just the opposite. At the present, there is nothing to show that melatonin can successfully control seizures.
Other alternative therapies include taking large doses of certain vitamins, such as folic acid. There has been nothing found to prove that high amounts of any vitamin can control seizures, and in some cases, too much of a vitamin can be toxic. As is true for anyone, taking a vitamin and mineral supplement is a good idea, as is eating a healthy diet full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
If you have epilepsy and are currently taking medication, discuss any alternative therapies with your doctor before beginning one. Also, never stop taking your seizure control medication without discussing it with your doctor first. Know that some alternative treatments may help, or cannot hurt, but use common sense and caution before trying anything that sounds too good to be true, because it probably is just that.
Carl E. Stafstrom M.D. Ph.D
Eating Your Way to Seizure Control
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Epilepsy: Alternative Treatments
http://www.webmd.com
