NaturalMedications

Home Medications and Treatments for Epilepsy

A brain disorder involving recurrent seizures.   It is a serious disorder of the central nervous system. It occurs in both children and adults. Most attacks, however, occur in childhood and in early adult life.

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Symptoms of Epilepsy

Almost any type of behavior that happens repetitively may represent a seizure. * Generalized seizures: All areas of the brain (the cortex) are involved in a generalized seizure. Sometimes these are referred to as grand mal seizures. o To the observer, the person experiencing such a seizure may cry out or make some sound, stiffen for some seconds, then have rhythmic movements of the arms and legs. Often the rhythmic movements slow before stopping. o Eyes are generally open. o The person may not appear to be breathing. The person is often breathing deeply after an episode. o The return to consciousness is gradual and should occur within a few moments. o Loss of urine is common. o Often people will be confused briefly after a generalized seizure.

Causes of Epilepsy

Healthy people may have seizures under certain circumstances. If the seizures have a known cause, the condition is referred to as secondary or symptomatic epilepsy. Some of the more common causes include the following: * Tumor * Chemical imbalance such as low blood sugar or sodium * Head injuries * Certain toxic chemicals or drugs of abuse * Alcohol withdrawal * Stroke including hemorrhage * Birth injuries

Treatment Of Epilepsy

Grape Juice: Fruits like apples, figs, and grapes have proved beneficial in the treatment of epilepsy. The juice of grapes has, however, been found to be comparatively more effective for this disease. The patient should take about 500 ml of the juice of fresh grapes thrice a day for three months. It will provide immense relief and help in the cure of the disease.

Vegetable Juices: Certain vegetable juices, especially carrot juice, in combination with juices of beets and cucumber, have also been found valuable in epilepsy. The formula proportions considered helpful in this combination are 300 ml of carrot juice and 100 ml each of beet and cucumber juices to prepare 500 ml or half a liter of mixed juice to be taken daily.

Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is considered useful in epilepsy. This vitamin is involved in critical functions of the nervous system. The valuable vegetable sources of this vitamin are rice, milk, brewer's yeast, cereals, legumes, green leafy vegetables, carrots, and peanuts. If taken in supplement form, vitamin B6 should be taken in therapeutic dose of 100-150 mg daily, along with other B complex vitamins.

Brahmi Booti: The herb brahmi booti, botanically known as Herpesties monniera has been found valuable in epilepsy. A teaspoon of the juice of this plant, sweetened with a teaspoon of honey, should be given to the patient thrice daily.

Indian Spikenard: The herb is also considered useful in epilepsy. It soothes the nervous system and induces tranquility of the mind. It should be given in very small doses of one gram or so, once daily.

Valerian: The herb valerian has acquired a great reputation in recent years as a cure for epilepsy. It has been used traditionally in functional disturbances of the nervous system. The drug exercises depressant action on the central nervous system. An infusion, prepared by infusion thirty grams of the herb in half a liter of boiling water, should be taken in equal parts thrice daily.

Dietary Considerations

A special diet may be recommended for children with intractable epilepsy (epilepsy that is not relieved by medication). The high-fat, low-carbohydrate Ketogenic Diet is carefully designed to help the patient’s body make large amounts of ketones, which are produced when fats are processed in the liver.
The diet commences with a 24- to 48-hour fasting period that begins in the hospital and is carefully monitored. Then the actual food plan, characterized by large quantities of high-fat foods, begins. The body goes into a survival phase, using the fats as a major energy source to produce the ketones. In general, of every six calories consumed, four are from fats and the other two are from protein and carbohydrates.
The diet consists of three categories of food: unrestricted, fatty, and restricted. Some examples of unrestricted foods include vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, lettuce, and spinach, artificial sweeteners; and unsweetened fruit. The fatty foods include bacon, hot dogs, potato chips, nuts, cream, eggs, mayonnaise, and butter. Restricted foods include candy and items containing sugar. A vitamin supplement is necessary to ensure that adequate nutritional needs are met.  

Other effective Remedies for Epilepsy

Epileptics should strictly adhere to a routine with fixed timings for meals and rest. They should remain mentally active but avoid all severe mental and physical stress. Above all, they should avoid excitement of all kinds.