At the present time, the most successful treatment for epilepsy is anti-epileptic medication, which achieves control of seizures in 70-80% of people with epilepsy. Research into the use of complementary therapies is currently limited. However, there is growing interest in this area of study, and more work is being carried out.
There are many reasons for deciding to seek complementary/ alternative treatment: - Dissatisfaction with the methods and approach followed by conventional medicine
- Unpleasant side effects or risks associated with conventional drugs/treatment
- No relief from symptoms using conventional medicine
- Desire to supplement conventional treatment
- Others' success stories (word of mouth)
- Desire for improved overall well-being
- Cultural beliefs
There is some scientific evidence as to the effectiveness of many of the following treatments, but success is usually variable and limited. They various therapies may be helpful in providing people with epilepsy a sense of control over their bodies and lives, and in improving a person's sense of well-being.
Patients who suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy require emotional and social support in addition to medical therapy. It is important to treat the whole person, not just the seizures. An interdisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, therapists and social workers, as well as alternative therapy practitioners, are essential for people who would like a comprehensive or holistic approach to their treatment.
These therapies are sometimes referred to as 'alternative therapies' but it is very important to remember that they are not an alternative to anti-epileptic medication. They are best used as a compliment to any existing drug treatment, with the approval of your doctor. Complementary therapies do not work for everyone; however, in some cases, these therapies help to improve seizure control.
Information on a variety of different alternative therapies is included in this kit. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is valid, exercise caution when deciding to pursue any treatment. Further investigation by the reader is encouraged.
Always consult your physician before trying any of these or any other alternative or complementary therapies.
Checklist for Finding an Alternative Therapist- Is the practitioner willing to treat someone with epilepsy?
- Is the practitioner knowledgeable with regard to epilepsy and the effectiveness of their treatment in people with epilepsy?
- Is the practitioner willing to consider the other medical attention you are receiving (anti-epileptic drugs, neurologist) and incorporate it with his/her alternative therapy?
- Has the practitioner treated people with epilepsy previously?
- Is the practitioner willing to find out more about your condition, if further research is necessary on their part?
- Is the practitioner knowledgeable about how side effects of his/her treatment may affect your seizures or interact with the drugs you are taking?
- Is the practitioner located close enough to you so that you will be willing to go as often as necessary?
- Does the practitioner know how to administer first aid to you if you have a seizure while receiving treatment? Treatment administered on a couch or floor instead of on an examination type table may be necessary when a patient suffers from frequent seizures.
Always tell any alternative therapist about your disorder BEFORE receiving any treatment.
It is important to realize that there are many alternative therapists who are not willing to treat people with epilepsy. This is often the case, because there is little research on the safety and effectiveness of these treatments when used for people with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Many therapists may be afraid to treat people with epilepsy because they don't understand the disorder, or they have a fear of possible legal consequences, should a problem arise. However, there are also many therapists who are willing to treat people with epilepsy. You will have to do your own personal investigation when trying to locate a knowledgeable alternative therapist.
Under NO circumstances should any person with a seizure disorder change, augment or substitute any prescribed anti-epileptic medication for another registered drug or other (alternative, complementary or herbal) treatment without specific instructions to do so from their neurologist or attending physician.
Warnings for Complementary/Alternative Therapies
There are several things you should be aware of when deciding to seek out an alternative therapy or therapist.
- NEVER stop taking anti-epileptic medication suddenly. This can lead to dangerous non-stop seizures ( a condition know as status epilepticus, a life threatening medical emergency. This condition can lead to permanent brain damage or death, and immediate medical care is required. A safe schedule for the withdrawal of your anti-epileptic medication should be established with your physician. As well, do not attempt to alter the dosage of your anti-epileptic medication on your own.
- Any herb or alternative medication must be considered to be a drug when used to treat epilepsy or any seizure disorder. This includes the ingestion, inhalation or topical application of various substances.
- Herbs or alternative medications may contain chemicals that can interfere with your anti-epileptic medication; therefore, you must consult your physician and alternative therapist regarding these possible drug interactions.
- The production of herbs and other "natural" alternative products is relatively unregulated in Canada. The quality and quantity of active ingredients in herbs may vary from one manufacture to another and from one batch of the product to another. Since there is insufficient quality control, you may experience different effects from various alternative products.
- If you notice any side effects following an alternative therapy, check with your alternative therapist and physician immediately.
