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Information on epilepsy: Epilepsy and complementary therapies |
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the moment the most successful treatment for epilepsy are anti-epileptic
drugs (AEDs). AEDs can stop seizures happening in up to 70% of people with
epilepsy. To help improve the way they feel, some people with epilepsy use
complementary therapies alongside their AEDs. This page is a basic introduction
to the issues around epilepsy and complementary therapies. More information about anti-epileptic medication What are complementary therapies?"Complementary therapies" is an umbrella term for a number of different types of treatments and therapies, such as homeopathy, herbal remedies, aromatherapy, acupuncture and yoga. Complementary therapies can be used to treat and manage many different health conditions. They can also give people a better sense of control over their lives and improve their over all well-being. What do we know about complementary therapies and epilepsy?Research into the use of complementary therapies for people with epilepsy is limited. However there is a growing interest in this area and more research is being carried out. As with AEDs however, people with epilepsy can have different responses to any treatment or therapy. Although some people may find them helpful, others may find that they may affect their seizure control. The benefits for people with epilepsy using any of the therapies mentioned in this leaflet may vary from person to person.
Before you startYou might like to ask yourself these questions about why you're interested in trying a complementary therapy.
Some complementary therapies can have a negative affect epilepsy - even if you're using the therapy to help with another aspect of your health. So before you start using complementary therapies it is also important to:
See bottom of page for organisations that have lists of qualified therapists. Using complementary therapies for epilepsyAlthough complementary therapies are sometimes called 'alternative therapies' they are not considered an alternative treatment to anti-epileptic drugs. They are best used together with the person's AEDs. Some therapies may affect a person's epilepsy or the way their AEDs work and make seizures worse. Some therapies when used for epilepsy may also affect other conditions. Also, therapies taken for another condition may also affect a person's epilepsy. What do we know about complementary therapies?Withdrawing anti-epileptic drugs without medical specialist supervision may result in seizures occurring. So it is worth treating with caution any therapist who suggests you reduce or stop taking your anti-epileptic medication. Relaxation therapiesMany people with epilepsy find that they are more likely to have seizures when they are stressed, anxious or tired. So looking at ways of reducing stress to relax may be useful and lead to better seizure control. Some people find activities such as exercise or creative arts enjoyable, which may also help to lower stress levels. They can also increase self-esteem and confidence which can help some people to deal with stressful situations. Some complementary therapies include ways of relaxing which may help to reduce stress and improve seizure control in some people. They include the following therapies. AromatherapyAromatherapy uses pure aromatic oils extracted from plants. Some oils have a relaxing affect on the body and the brain. There are several ways in which the oils can be used. The oils are usually either diluted in a 'carrier' oil, such as almond oil which is then massaged into the skin, or used in an oil burner (this warms up the oil) which then releases a scented vapour. Some people find aromatherapy helps with relaxation but the oils need to be chosen carefully as some oils may make seizures worse in some people. Some oils stimulate the brain (making it more sensitive), which could trigger seizures for some people with epilepsy. These include: hyssop, rosemary, sweet fennel and sage. Aromatherapy oils known to have a calming and relaxing effect, which may help to reduce the effects of stress and help to improve seizure control include: jasmine, ylang ylang, camomile and lavender. As aromatherapy can affect your epilepsy, it is useful to:
Some
research has found that people can learn how to connect the smell of a
particular oil with a state of relaxation. Results have shown that, with
practice, a person may be able to relax by smelling a particular oil and
so prevent seizures. This tends to be more helpful in people who usually
have a warning, (or aura) before a convulsive seizure. This skill takes
a lot of practice and time to learn. AcupunctureAcupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment. Acupuncture uses the energy pathways in the body to help restore energy by stimulating certain points on a person's body. During the treatment needles are gently inserted into particular parts of the skin. They can be left there for a few seconds or for up to 30 minutes. One study showed no significant improvement in seizure control for people with epilepsy after having acupuncture. However the treatment may be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, which may help to improve seizure control. ReflexologyReflexology is based on the idea that the structure of our bodies is reflected in miniature on precise points on the feet and hands. The therapist massages and puts pressure on certain points on either the feet or hands. Reflexology can also help with relaxation and help to reduce stress. Other relaxation therapiesOther therapies such as Tai Chi and yoga can also help to create a state of relaxation. The deep breathing involved aims to be relaxing and may help to reduce the effects of stress.
Other therapiesBiofeedbackBiofeedback is a skill which may help some people who have partial seizures, or, generalised seizures that start with some kind of aura or warning. Biofeedback is used together with a person's AEDs. Biofeedback can help a person to learn ways to control the seizure activity in their brain. With practice and support people may be able to limit the length of a partial seizure or reduce the likelihood of their aura spreading to a generalised seizure. Biofeedback may also help improve a person's self-esteem by giving them a better sense of control over their epilepsy. This therapy is rare and not widely used as it needs a lot of help and support from a trained therapist. It also involves a lot of time and practice on the part of the individual to get results. Homeopathy Homeopathy
is a holistic therapy, meaning it looks at the whole person not just their
condition. Homeopathic remedies generally come from plants and minerals.
A homeopathic therapist uses very small doses of ingredients in order
to encourage the body's natural way of healing. Homeopathy can be used
to help reduce the effects of anxiety and stress which may help reduce
the frequency of a person's seizures.
Herbal MedicineHerbal medicine uses plant remedies to restore the natural balance of the body and encourage healing. Herbal medicine is not used to treat epilepsy. Some herbal medicines such as, schizandra, kava kava and comfrey may increase the number of seizures for some people. St John's Wort St John's wort (SJW) is a herbal remedy used for mild depression. There are differing views about the safety of using SJW for people with epilepsy taking AEDs. A study of people at Birmingham University seizure clinic, has so far shown no evidence of any particular increase of seizures in people taking anti-epileptic medication and SJW. However, other research suggests that SJW can affect the blood levels (lowering the amount of medication in the bloodstream) of many types of medication, including AEDs. Changes in levels of AED medication can affect a persons seizure control and increase the risk of seizures happening. The Committee on Safety of Medicines recommends that people taking anti-epileptic medications do not take SJW. They suggest that anyone already taking it should see their doctor to discuss the possibility of withdrawing it. It is important to speak to the doctor first before stopping SJW, as the dose of anti-epileptic medication may need to be altered to prevent possible side effects. Ayurverda Ayurverda is an ancient Indian treatment using a combination of herbal medicine, diet, exercise and meditation. Ayurverda may aggravate a person's epilepsy and so may be best avoided. Nutritional supplements and dietSome dietary and nutritional therapies look at the link between diet, health and medical conditions. It has been suggested that food allergies can affect seizures in some people, but there is little information to support this. Most people with epilepsy can eat the same foods as everyone else and, as for everyone, a healthy, balanced diet is recommended. Sometimes it can be
helpful to use nutritional supplements although unnecessary supplements
are not recommended. However, taking a daily folic acid supplement for
all women, ideally before becoming pregnant and during the pregnancy is
strongly recommended. Although research on evening primrose oil shows that it does not usually present a problem for people with epilepsy, there is some evidence of people who had been seizure free, having seizures again after taking evening primrose oil. Starflower oil is similar to evening primrose oil and therefore could have the same effects for people with epilepsy. Ketogenic diet The ketogenic diet
is a high fat, low protein, low carbohydrate diet, designed to help seizure
control for children with severe epilepsy, such as Lennox Gastaut syndrome.
The diet is specifically designed for each child, by a dietician and with
the child's specialist. Because the diet is complex, some children find
it unpleasant and difficult to follow. For children who continue to have
seizures, the ketogenic diet, alongside anti-epileptic medication, may
help to reduce the number or severity of seizures they have. Research
is continuing to see how well the diet works in controlling seizures.
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Nutritional supplements and diet
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Other organisationsAll the links below open in a new window. The Centre for the Study of Complementary Medicine International Federation of Aromatherapists University of Birmingham Seizure Clinic, Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital, Birmingham B15 2QZ (information about aromatherapy) British Homeopathic Association The National Institute of Medical Herbalists Paediatric Department,
Central Middlesex Hospital, Acton Lane, Park Royal, London
NW10 7NS Ketogenic Diet Trial Team, Epilepsy Unit,
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond
Street, London WC1N 3JH The British Acupuncture Council International Federation of Reflexologists Further Reading Epilepsy: The Natural Way by Fiona Marshall UK
Epilepsy Helpline: 01494 601400 ©
The National Society for Epilepsy |
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