People living with epilepsy often look to alternative therapies, including herbs, ketogenic diet and vagus nerve stimulation as part of their treatment strategy to manage and potentially prevent seizures. Such remedies often supplement medications available as antiepileptics.
Other nonpharmacological treatments include biofeedback and meditation, both of which may improve quality of life while possibly decreasing seizure frequency; however, more research needs to be conducted before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient holistic system that utilizes acupuncture points on the body to restore balance and promote healing, widely used to treat epilepsy. Before trying any complementary therapies or complementary medicines it is wise to consult your physician, as some could worsen seizures or cause other adverse side effects.
Acupressure involves applying pressure to certain points on the body called acupoints. Acupuncturists use very fine needles inserted by them into these points for several minutes to apply pressure. Acupuncture may help reduce seizures in some people living with epilepsy; however, more research must be completed first before using this treatment alongside antiepileptic drugs as this may cause unwanted side effects.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may provide another holistic treatment option for epilepsy patients, including herbal medications and acupuncture. Recent research suggests that certain herbs may increase the effectiveness of antiseizure medication; however, you must remember that many remedies contain multiple substances combined together and may contain active ingredients found in your antiepileptic medication.
Nonpharmacological therapies for epilepsy may include ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation and electroencephalographic biofeedback technique. Although experimental in nature and require stringent scientific testing to demonstrate effectiveness, they may provide relief to people dissatisfied with their antiepileptic medication due to side effects or comorbidities.
Biofeedback
People living with epilepsy often turn to complementary and alternative therapies in addition to medications to feel better and reduce stress, including yoga, acupuncture, tai chi, massage therapy, EEG biofeedback, and herbal remedies. Before engaging any such techniques it is wise to speak to a healthcare provider first.
These therapies use noninvasive instruments to measure various bodily functions, including heart rate and breathing rate as well as muscle tension. This information is displayed on a computer screen with beeping sounds or flashing lights for easy analysis. Sessions with an experienced and nationally certified biofeedback provider will focus on creating conscious changes for any involuntary functions; over time patients should eventually be able to make these adjustments themselves without assistance from equipment.
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of biofeedback as an aid for treating various mental and physical conditions, including chronic pain and anxiety. Its most notable use, however, lies in relieving stress and alleviating symptoms related to certain disorders like fibromyalgia, urinary incontinence and migraines. Furthermore, some research suggests it could even help treat seizures among children who exhibit severe or disabling forms.
Ketogenic diet
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate eating plan that has been demonstrated to effectively decrease seizures for some people with epilepsy. It does so by altering how the brain uses energy; fat breakdown creates molecules called ketones which circulate through blood circulation as fuel for brain cells. Used since 1920s as an effective solution to certain forms of seizures.
The medical ketogenic diet differs significantly from fad diets that have recently gained in popularity. Clinical dietitians at CHLA’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center explain its science and how it may benefit people living with epilepsy.
Though highly restrictive, ketogenic dieting is safe for most individuals. It can be used alongside anti-seizure medication to wean patients off those that cause side effects while altering gut microbiome and increasing GABA-to-glutamate ratio, which will ultimately help manage seizures more effectively.
Before beginning a ketogenic diet, it is wise to consult a physician. They will conduct a physical exam and ask you to maintain a seizure diary; order imaging, blood and urine tests to make sure the diet is safe for you; as well as offer tips on how you can eat healthfully while following this diet plan.
Vagus nerve stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an innovative treatment which uses electrical pulses to stimulate your vagus nerve. This nerve is linked with various parts of your body including heart, lungs and abdomen as well as being linked to areas that may be susceptible to seizure activity. VNS has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treating focal epilepsy, long-lasting depression and post stroke rehabilitation rehabilitation.
Your healthcare professional may suggest vagus nerve stimulation therapy if anti-seizure medications fail to fully control your seizures. This therapy can reduce both frequency and severity, and in some cases even help stop them completely.
VNS involves implanting a device into your neck to stimulate the vagus nerve – one of 12 pairs of cranial nerves responsible for transmitting electrical impulses between your brain and other parts of the body. A lead wire connects this device in your chest with its counterpart in your neck; it is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately an hour.
Once the device is implanted, your healthcare provider will program it to deliver electrical impulses at a specific frequency and duration to stimulate vagus nerve. Your settings usually begin low; gradually increase in pulse frequency. At each appointment, they’ll check on device functionality as well as evaluate anti-seizure medication use.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative therapy involving small doses of naturally occurring substances to stimulate your body’s own natural healing capabilities, according to its proponents. Unfortunately, scientific studies have failed to demonstrate its efficacy – rather, some have even shown certain herbal products increase seizures for some individuals with epilepsy – evening primrose oil is known to trigger seizures in some people with epilepsy – it would be wise to consult your physician prior to trying any herbal remedies yourself.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are currently the go-to treatment option for treating and controlling seizures. AEDs act by regulating inhibition-excitation cycles within the brain to avoid biochemical alterations that trigger seizures; unfortunately they do not always work, sometimes leading to adverse side effects that range from stomach upset and mental stress to other unpleasant sensations; therein lies the great need for alternative therapies which improve clinical results while simultaneously decreasing potential side effects.
Alternative and complementary medicines (CAM) have become an increasing part of healthcare, but there has been limited rigorous research. Many studies are inconclusive and difficult to compare with traditional treatments – for instance it’s impossible to identify an active ingredient in homeopathic products due to being so dilute. Therefore more effort needs to be put into CAM research with appropriate designs and outcome measures.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of healing that emphasizes balance among mind, body, and spirit; diet and lifestyle choices; herbal medicines and acupuncture as well as counseling can all play an integral part in living a healthy life. Although Ayurveda practices have not undergone as much clinical testing as Western medicine has, some individuals can find them beneficial; it is recommended to speak to your physician first before trying these treatments.
According to Ayurvedic principles, every individual possesses their own physical and emotional makeup known as Prakriti that determines their unique physical, psychological, and immunological characteristics. Based on this prakriti, various treatments such as Daiva Vyapashraya Chikitsa; Yukti Vyapashraya Chikitsa; or Satvavajaya Chikitsa may be appropriate; for more details please refer back to your practitioner.
Traditional Ayurved practitioners relied on various herbal medicines with anti-seizure properties to treat epilepsy, typically taken orally or applied topically as tincture or powder. Ayurvedic practitioners would also employ massage and purification programs designed to open the channels of both heart and mind.
Alternative therapies are often combined with antiepileptic medications; they do not replace them; rather they serve to complement what your doctor has prescribed for you. When considering alternative therapies as part of an epilepsy treatment plan, always check with your physician first and seek one who offers holistic approaches that include complementary therapies as part of an integrated solution plan.
