Seizure
reduction
A seizure is the response to an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.
Anything that irritates the brain can produce a seizure. Two thirds of people who
experience a seizure never have another. One third go on to have recurring seizures (a
condition called epilepsy).
Precisely what happens during a seizure depends
on what part of the brain is affected by the abnormal electrical discharge. The
seizure discharge
may involve a tiny area of the brain and lead only to the person noticing an odd smell or
taste, or it may involve large areas and lead to a convulsion--jerking and spasms of
muscles throughout the body. The person may also have brief attacks of altered
consciousness; lose consciousness, muscle control, or bladder control; and become
confused. See here for info about
ketogenic diet.
Causes of seizures
High fever due to heatstroke and infections.
Brain infections from a number of viruses and bacteria.
Exposure to toxic drugs and substances such as excess alcohol, amphetamines, and cocaine
can certainly lead to seizures.
Withdrawal after heavy use of alcohol, sleep aids, tranquilizers.
Adverse reaction to prescription drugs.
Metabolic disturbances such as high levels of sugar or sodium in the blood, low levels of
sugar, calcium, magnesium, or sodium in the blood, kidney or liver failure.
Insufficient oxygen to the brain from strokes or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Destruction of brain tissue form head injury or brain tumor.
Natural therapy for seizures
Improvement of sleep patterns
can help reduce the frequency of seizures.
Improvement in diet. A high-fat, low
carbohydrate diet can drastically cut seizures in children with severe epilepsy and could
reduce the need for medication.
Add calcium and vitamin D since patients on medications often lose bone mass.
Yoga is helpful.
Reducing or eliminating any kind of supplements that have a stimulant effect such as
tyrosine, ephedra, caffeine, Guarana, and teas that have caffeine.
Ginkgo may induce seizures in
certain individuals in rare cases.
The Chinese herbal medicine Chai-Hu-Long-Ku-Mu-Li-Tan (TW-001) exerts
anticonvulsant effects against different experimental models of seizure in rats. It's role
in humans is not clear.
Scutellariae radix water extract has anticonvulsant activity against tonic seizures in
mice. Its role in humans is not clear.
Seizure drug delay of
treatment
Treatment with anti
seizure drugs following the onset of seizures can be
delayed without affecting quality of life. Apart from driving status, delaying
treatment really didn't have any major negative effects in terms of quality of
life. If some patients are reluctant to initiate anti seizure drugs, they can
wait for a few weeks. Neurology, April 10, 2007.
Seizure questions
Q. Last year I got a infection that went
to my brain and caused 5 brain abscesses and 8 seizures in 5 hrs caused by the
abscesses I am taking Keppra for the seizures till Dec then I can wean off it I
have been told i can take vinopocetine do you think mind power Rx would be
better to help the brain recover its left me with bad eyes and I get a bit
agitated with my speech I am back playing tennis and lawn bowls and I am quite
fit
A. Keppra is an anti seixure drug for oral administration. It is
difficult to predict a person's response to any particular supplement or a
combination product such as Mind Power Rx. We can suggest your doctor take a
look at the ingredients and discuss with you. We really can't give such advice
since, for one reason, we don't know your full medical history and physical
examination. Mind Power Rx is a very popular product with a high rate of
reorder, but we don't know whether it will be helpful for you or how it would
interact with Keppra.
Q. I got Robbed and beaten here in Washington, DC. I
had a seizure weeks later. Had a Bloodclot to the Brain, had cutting surgery to
the head. Taking Dilantin-med now to control seizures. Been hearing about FISH
OIL & CoQ- 10. Can I take these products for better Memory and Thoughts. I was
taking VITAMIN-E and GINGKO. I stopped taking these after I had the brain
surgery. FEAR of a another bloodclot or better yet a SEIZURE because I Heard
they were Blood thinners. FEAR for me. It seems the medical profession is not
really Up on this knowledge. Can also recommend something for my faulty thinking
and memory while you'll are at it. I'm doing fine now-so far so-good,I don't
want to have another BLOODCLOT at the BRAIN or a SEIZURE! WHAT'S the BEST for ME
to TAKE?
A. We truly hope you recover quickly from the
difficult situation you were placed as a result of the assault. We cannot give
specific suggestions, but if you do decide to take any supplements, always use
the lowest dose. See memory
for suggestions.