benefits | Epilepsy Talk

The miracle of the coconut

October 10, 2022
3 Comments

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a “superfood.”

And there are plenty of reasons to love it: Health, healing, immunity. Liver, kidney and bone health. Energy, weight loss, hair, skin care…and that’s just scratching the surface.

Let’s start with your health:

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: benefits, bones, coconut, dentalcare, diabetes, healing and infections, healthy cooking, heart health, immunity, kidneys, liver, skin and hair care, weight loss

Calcium – Friend or Foe?

July 1, 2022
14 Comments

After talking to a famous epileptologist, I learned that calcium is really a two-edged sword. Which surprised (and scared) me.

I’ve always read that calcium was imperative if you were taking anti-epilepsy drugs — especially Dilantin. Even if your doc “forgot” to tell you!

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Research
Tags: benefits, bone mineral density, Calcium, calcium rich foods, controversy, DEXA scans, Dilantin, Epilepsy, heart disease, Mysoline, Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, Phenobital, risks, supplements, Tegretol, Valproate, Vitamin D

Exercise for your mind and body

March 14, 2022
10 Comments

Many people with epilepsy, especially those with uncontrolled seizures, live a sedentary life and have low physical fitness.

Because they’ve been told that exercise can trigger seizures.

Not necessarily so. At least for a large population of those with epilepsy.

Posted in Epilepsy
Tags: benefits, EEGs, exercise, improved health, seizure reduction

Before you agree to surgery…

September 8, 2021
20 Comments

How many times have you heard: “Well, it isn’t exactly brain surgery.” Well this time it is.

And it’s your brain.

It’s a scary trip into the unknown. Thoughts are swirling around in your head: What will happen to me? Is this the right thing to do? Is this really the best surgeon for the job? What if it doesn’t work? Maybe I should put it off…

It’s really hard to be prepared for something as radical as brain surgery – either physically or emotionally. That’s why it’s important to gather all the information you can, before hand.

Remember: Knowledge is power.

Here some things to consider and ask your neurologist/neurosurgeon team before surgery…

Posted in Epilepsy, Tips
Tags: advance directive, benefits, best doctors, best hospitals, brain surgery, complications, experience, insurance, living will, neurologist/neurosurgeon, options, post operative care, questions, recovery, risks, second opinion, skill

Epilepsy: Meditation vs. Medication

August 3, 2021
2 Comments

You can have medication without meditation. Most of us do.

You can do meditation without medication. Most of us wouldn’t and shouldn’t take that risk.

But together, they can enhance one another.

Posted in Epilepsy, Research, Tips
Tags: benefits, Complementary Alternative Medicine, enhance, Epilepsy, medication, meditation, relaxation, risks, seizures, stress

Why Your Pharmacist is Your Best Friend

June 2, 2021
11 Comments

Your pharmacist is the least expensive and most accessible health resource you have. They fill prescriptions and provide expert information about medications — a very important role, considering the prominent use of seizure medications to treat epilepsy.

You can see the pharmacist anytime you want, without an appointment, and all consultations are free. In medicine, that’s extraordinary.

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Tips
Tags: access, benefits, costs, Epilepsy, expert information, free consultations, interactions, knowledge, pharmacists, prescription, risks, seizure medications

The Trouble with AEDs…

February 2, 2021
21 Comments

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?

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Research
Tags: AEDS, anti-epilepsy drugs, benefits, dangers, seizures, side-effects, uses

Epilepsy: Meditation vs. Medication

September 18, 2020
25 Comments

Neither is mutually exclusive.

You can have medication without meditation. Most of us do.

You can do meditation without medication. Most of us wouldn’t and shouldn’t take that risk.

But together, they can enhance one another.

Posted in Epilepsy, Research
Tags: benefits, Complementary Alternative Medicine, enhance, Epilepsy, medication, meditation, relaxation, risks, seizures, stress

Brain Surgery – Questions to Prepare Yourself

April 19, 2019
10 Comments

How many times have you heard: “Well, it isn’t exactly brain surgery.” Well this time it is.

And it’s your brain.

It’s really hard to be prepared for something as radical as brain surgery – either physically or emotionally. That’s why it’s important to gather all the information you can, before hand.

Remember: Knowledge is power.

Epilepsy — Top Financial and Medical Assistance Programs

March 19, 2019
5 Comments

With so many people at the end of their resources, we could all use a helping hand.

Below is my attempt to research viable resources for financial and medication aid.

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Tips
Tags: aid, benefits, financial, free, information, links, medication, prescriptions, resources