Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is defined as a brief disorder of cerebral function usually associated with a disturbance of consciousness and accompanied by excessive neuronal discharge.

This neuronal discharge results in seizures. Seizures may affect only part of the brain. In Grand mal, however, the symptoms are generalised causing: headache, drowsiness, and an “aura”, followed by unconsciousness, stiffening, and uncontrollable jerking of the body. Afterward the epileptic falls into a deep sleep which may last up to an hour, and often wakens with a headache feeling confused.

Petit mal usually affects children and is much milder and sometimes difficult to detect – it may seem they are just daydreaming – sometimes it is accompanied by muscular spasms called myoclonic jerks.

There is some evidence that epilepsy is related to imbalances in brain chemistry to do with vitamin and mineral metabolism. Certainly epileptics have been found to be deficient in Calcium and Magnesium – important minerals which are involved in the smooth running of the central nervous system.

Tip: a vitamin and mineral analysis, conducted by a nutritionist, will give important clues about deficiencies – usually epileptics need to increase their intake of Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Calcium and Zinc – all important in neuronal transmission.

Treatments:

Acupuncture, Aromatherapy, Bach Flower Remedies, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Meditation, Naturopathy, Nutritional Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yoga.