Prescription antiepileptic medications, such as carbamazepine, are the most common and effective treatment for epilepsy.
However, there are various epilepsy and seizures, and only about two-thirds of cases react favorably to medicine.
Considering antiepileptic medications can cause side effects in some people, a doctor may need to change a person’s prescription type or dosage over time. However, around 80% of people with epilepsy reside in low-income countries where these medications may be unavailable or expensive.
Due to this, many people turn to complementary, alternative, and non-drug therapies like vitamins, herbs, and cannabidiol (CBD) products. However, as epilepsy is a complicated condition, it is critical to consult with a doctor before utilizing any natural therapies, as some solutions may not be practical for everyone.
In this article, we will learn about some of the non-drug approaches for controlling seizures in people with epilepsy. If medicine is a bothersome addition to your diet, then you can always consult a doctor from ArabiaMD to find more permanent treatment.
- Micronutrients
- Magnesium
Severe magnesium shortage may increase the risk of seizures. However, older research showed that magnesium supplementation might prevent seizures. This theory is supported by a 2012 hypothesis published in Epilepsy Research. However, according to the researchers, more randomized, controlled trials are needed to understand magnesium’s possible effects on epilepsy better.
- Vitamin E
Some patients with epilepsy may also be a deficient in vitamin E. According to a 2016 study, vitamin E boosts antioxidant capacity. This study also found that it helps reduce seizures in persons with epilepsy whose symptoms aren’t controlled by traditional medications. The study indicated that taking vitamin E alongside standard epilepsy medications may be safe. However, more research is required.
- Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 treats pyridoxine-dependent seizures, a rare kind of epilepsy. This type of epilepsy usually arises during pregnancy or shortly after birth. It’s caused by your body’s inability to digest vitamin B-6 effectively.
Although the findings are promising, more research is required to discover whether vitamin B-6 administration aids persons with epilepsy.
- Biofeedback
Some people turn to biofeedback therapy when antiepileptic medicines fail to control seizures. Biofeedback is a medical method that assists individuals in recognizing changes in their bodies. Based on this, they can devise responses that reduce the likelihood of having a seizure.
If a person senses a seizure aura, which might occur immediately before a seizure, they may sit down or move to a secure area. If they have light-induced seizures, they may be able to look aside in time to avoid them.
In a 2018 study, 40 people with temporal lobe epilepsy who had not responded to treatment were given 12 biofeedback sessions for four weeks. Overall, seizures decreased by 43%, with reductions of 50% or more reported by 45%.
Biofeedback is a noninvasive therapy that has shown potential for persons with epilepsy, but further research is needed. It entails utilizing a machine to detect electrical activity in the brain, using that information to learn how to recognize warning signs, and training the brain to prevent seizures.
- Acupuncture
As interest in neurostimulation therapy for epilepsy develops, some researchers believe that acupuncture may be beneficial.
Acupuncturists use tiny needles put into specific points on the body. They leave them for a few minutes or up to 30-40 minutes. This, in principle, affects the body’s energy channels.
According to research, it can improve electroencephalogram readings and lessen the number of seizures experienced by some persons.
- Herbal treatments
Herbal remedies have grown in popularity as the market and public interest in them has grown. Every disease appears to have its plant.
Several herbal medicines used in traditional Chinese, Japanese Kampo, and Indian Ayurvedic medicine have proven anticonvulsant benefits, according to a 2003 study. However, the safety, side effects, and interactions have not been thoroughly researched.
There is currently insufficient scientific evidence that most herbal treatments adequately cure epilepsy.
Even then, the following are some of the most widely utilized epilepsy herb
- Burning bush
- Mistletoe
- Tree of heaven
- Groundsel
- Lily of the valley
- Peony
- Mugwort
- Hydrocotyle
- Cannabis
Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that happen at inconvenient moments. Seizures can be caused by underlying disorders such as epilepsy.
Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy struggle to control their symptoms using standard techniques. These patients should consult their doctor about taking cannabis products to treat seizures. For instance, a quality THC Oil, which contains THC that is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, may help reduce seizures in some circumstances.
However, remember that cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC are still illegal in the majority of states and nations around the world. However, the Food and Medicine Administration (FDA) has approved Epidolex, a CBD-containing category V drug.
Even though Epidolex is the only FDA-approved CBD medicine, other cannabinoid-containing products, such as oils and edibles, are lawful in the United States as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
Because of the rescheduling of cannabinoids, research has flourished in recent years, and new studies support the notion that cannabis products may help treat some populations of persons with epilepsy.
Bottomline
The majority of data supporting natural epilepsy treatments is anecdotal. There isn’t enough research to back up safe use.
Additionally, no single medication or alternative remedy will work for everyone. Your neurologist is your best source of information and treatment for epilepsy. Considering your brain is a vast network, each case is unique, and the intensity and frequency of seizures vary.
