Epilepsy Talk
Epilepsy And Complementary Medicine…
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Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) is just what it sounds like. Something to complement the AED regimen you’re already on. And perhaps take an extra step (with your doctor’s go-ahead) to alleviate seizures.
There are lots of alternatives, so I’ll touch on the most popular ones here. (Somehow, I don’t think you’re going to be turning to stones or amulets for relief!)
Interestingly, The Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona did a survey and it revealed that half of the people with epilepsy had tried CAM at some time for seizure control. Almost half used them for other reasons.
Overall, people found CAM to be generally beneficial to their health. The most helpful were stress reduction, yoga, and botanicals (herbs). Nonetheless, half of the patients taking botanicals had an increase in their seizures.
One third of the patients felt that CAM helped treat their epilepsy better than the AED. However, very few patients considered stopping the AED. Almost all of the patients stated they would feel comfortable informing their physician about CAM use.
“Modern medical therapy often fails, yet modern medical therapy exists because complementary and alternative medicine often fails. Both sides have to recognize each other.” Dr. Orrin Devinsky
Tags: acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, biofeedback, chiropractic care, Complementary Alternative Medicine, essential oils, herbal medicine, Homeopathy, massage, meditation, Naturopathy, Orrin Devinsky, reflexology, relaxation techniques, seizure control, stress reduction, tai chi, yoga
Medical Marijuana — What the Experts are Saying
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“It doesn’t have a high potential for abuse, and there are very legitimate medical applications. In fact, sometimes Marijuana is the only thing that works… It is irresponsible not to provide the best care we can as a medical community, care that could involve Marijuana. We have been terribly and systematically misled for nearly 70 years in the United States, and I apologize for my own role in that.” — Dr. Sanjay Gupta / Neurosurgeon.
Tags: age-old remedy, alternative, anecdotal evidence, DEA restrictions, doctors', Dr. Orrin Devinsky, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dravet Syndrome, help relieve pain and suffering, legitimate medical applications, medical marijuana, non toxic, relief, Research, safe, scientific evidence, success
The Great Debate — Medical Marijuana
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Even though the cannabis plant has a long history of medicinal use, with evidence dating back to 2,737 BCE, it’s still a subject of hot controversy.
It appears to be a standing battle between politics and science.
The legality requires proof of medical marijuana’s effectiveness.
Reports of success are anecdotal.
Yet there are no funds for clinical trials and it remains on a back burner for further NIH funding and research.
(Wow. What a surprise!)
Dr. Ben Whalley, who is leading the research at the department of pharmacy at the University of Reading, said: “There was a stigma associated with cannabis that came out from the 60’s and 70’s associated with recreational use, so people have tended not to look at it medicinally as a result.”
But now, some experts are calling for fresh research into the potential of cannabis-like compounds to help alleviate seizures.
Because further evidence has emerged that an ingredient of cannabis could help prevent epileptic seizures.
If You DON’T Have Epilepsy, Then WHAT Is It???
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You might call them “imitators” of epilepsy, but that’s kind of extreme. You might say “similar” or you might say “confused”, which I think they are.
In a previous article titled “Conditions Commonly Misdiagnosed as Epilepsy”, I thought I had it all covered.
But, believe it or not, that was just the tip of the iceberg.
I dug deeper and researched further and here is what I learned about signs and signals which might cause epilepsy, might show the same symptoms of epilepsy, or might be masquerading in their own way as epilepsy…
Tags: Epilepsy, Hypoglycemia, imitators, infection, Malnutrition, Narcolepsy, Panic Attacks, Stroke, Syncope (fainting), Tumor
Foods That Fight Stress…
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I worked as a writer in the health and wellness field for more than ten years. So I know a thing or two about this stuff. (And stress!)
But I also know from personal experience that epilepsy is a very unique condition.
Between all the different types of seizures, and triggers, and meds…there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
The same goes for de-stressing your diet.
What works for one might not work for another. And it certainly doesn’t take the place of meds.
However, I do believe that although living a healthy lifestyle won’t cure you…it can certainly help you.
So, here’s some information for sensible stress-busting eating…
Tags: anxiety, calm, cortisol, de-stress, depression, Folic Acid, foods, nervous system, panic, physical endurance, seizures, serotonin, stabilize, stress, vitamin B6
The Trouble with AEDs
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At the very best, finding the right anti-epilepsy drug is a crap shoot. There’s always the hope that this one will do it.
Or maybe adjunct therapy will work. Or, sigh, the side-effects derail you and you’re on to the next.
Is asking for seizure control too much?
Tags: anti-epilepsy drugs, benefits, dangers, seizures, side effects, uses
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