Seizures cause violent muscle contractions and loss of consciousness. It's not usually a good sight when that happens. People with seizures usually treat them with anti-seizure medications. While they can be helpful, these medications may not be effective for everyone because some medications can carry a risk of side effects.
some people withseizuresconsider natural treatments and alternative therapies to complement their treatments or alleviate their symptoms. From vitamins and herbs to acupuncture and biofeedback, there are many options to choose from.
While a modest amount of research supports some natural treatments, many treatments lack the research to support them. There is less evidence for natural seizure remedies than there is for conventional medicine, but herbal remedies have been shown to be effective.
Here's what you'll learn from this post:
- meaning of seizures
- seizure symptoms
- causes of seizures
- Risk factors and complications associated with seizures
- Personal security against seizures
- Natural remedies for seizures
Index
What is a seizure?
A seizure is the result of abnormal and erratic electrical activity throughout the brain. Epilepsy is the main cause of seizures; However, other health problems, such as extremely low blood sugar, a stroke, or a high fever, can trigger seizures. Many people who have a seizure for the first time will never have another one and do not need treatment. However, a person with recurrent seizures may need daily antiseizure medications to prevent and control future seizures.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seizures affect approximately 470,000 children and 3 million adults in the United States. The most effective and standard treatment for seizures is prescription anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine.
There are different types of seizures and only about two-thirds of seizure cases respond well to medication. Some people may need surgery, but this is not always possible. Anti-epileptic drugs can also cause side effects in some people; Therefore, a doctor may need to adjust a person's dose or type of medication over time. Furthermore, around 80% of those who suffer from seizures live in low-income countries, where these medications can be very expensive or even unavailable to them.
For these and other reasons, some patients seek alternative, non-drug and complementary therapies, such asessential oil, Cannabidiol (CBD) products, dietary supplements and herbs. However, a seizure is a complex condition. Therefore, it is important to discuss any natural seizure remedies with your doctor before trying them, as some options may not be practical or safe for some patients.
seizure symptoms
There are two stages of seizures, including the following:
- tonic phase.Loss of consciousness occurs and the muscles contract suddenly, causing the person to fall. This phase can last about 10 to 20 seconds.
- clonic phase.The muscles suddenly go into rhythmic contractions, alternately flexing and relaxing. The cramps that usually follow last about a minute or two.
The following are signs and symptoms of seizures:
- Splitting headache.Headaches can follow an attack.
- Drowsiness is a common symptom after a seizure.
- A seizure is often accompanied by a period of disorientation. This disorientation is called postictal confusion.
- Lack of response after seizures.A person may be unconscious for several minutes at the end of the seizure.
- Loss of bladder and bowel control.A person may experience urination or defecation during or after an attack.
- A shout.Some people may suddenly cry when a seizure starts.
causes of seizures
Seizures occur when electrical activity on the surface of theabnormal brain synchronization. for example thebrain nerve cellsnormally communicate by sending chemical and electrical signals across the synapses that connect cells.
In people who suffer from seizures, the brain's normal electrical activity is altered and many nerve cells fire at the same time. The exact cause of the changes usually remains unknown. However, some underlying health issues are sometimes the cause of seizures. These problems include:
infection or injury
- AVC
- Injury from previous lack of oxygen
- Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, or a history of any infection
- Traumatic head injuries
Developmental or congenital anomalies
- brain tumors
- genetic syndrome
- Malformation of blood vessels in the brain
metabolic disorders
- Use or withdrawal from addictive substances, including alcohol
Risk factors and complications associated with seizures
risk factors
Risk factors associated with seizures include:
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- illicit drug use
- sleep deprivation
- Any injury to the brain from previous infection, stroke, trauma and other causes
- A family history of seizure disorders
complications
A seizure at any time can lead to circumstances that could be dangerous for you or others. For example, you may be exposed to the following risks:
- emotional health issues.Those who suffer from seizures are more likely to experience psychological challenges such as anxiety and depression. Challenges can be the result of difficulties managing the condition itself, including medication side effects.
- pregnancy complications.Seizures during pregnancy endanger not only the mother, but also the fetus. In addition, certain antiepileptic drugs increase the risk of birth defects. If you have epilepsy and plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication and monitoring your pregnancy.
- car accidents.A seizure that results in loss of control or unconsciousness can be dangerous when driving or operating other equipment that requires your full attention.
- If the seizure occurs while showering or swimming, you risk accidentally drowning.
- If you fall in the moment of a seizure, you could break a bone or injure your head.
Personal security against seizures
Seizures don't always result in serious injury unless you're in a sticky situation. However, if the seizure recurs, an injury is possible. Follow these steps to avoid injury during a seizure:
- See first aid tips for seizuresin places where people can easily notice them. You can also enter all important phone numbers there.
- Change your configuration.Buy furniture with rounded edges, cushion sharp corners, and choose chairs with armrests so you don't fall out of your chair during a seizure. Choose a rug with thick padding to protect it in case of a fall.
- take a showerinstead of a shower, unless someone is near you.
- Be careful around water.Don't relax on a boat or swim alone; Make sure there are people around.
First aid for seizures
Knowing what to do if you witness a seizure is crucial. If you suffer from seizures, it's best to share this information with colleagues, friends and family so they know what to do if you have a seizure.
How to help someone during a seizure:
- Gently roll the person onto their side
- Put something soft under her head
- Loosen the tight ties
- remove glasses
- Avoid putting objects or your finger in the person's mouth
- Do not try to stop someone from having a seizure.
- If the person moves, it is advisable to remove dangerous objects from the area
- Stay with the person until the medical team arrives.
- Monitor the person carefully and closely to provide important details when help arrives
- time the arrest
- Look for an ID card or medical alert bracelet
- stay calm
6 natural remedies for seizures
Working with your doctor to find the right treatments for your seizure can help you weigh potential risks and benefits, including the right advice for the next step. Below are some of the natural remedies for seizures.
1. Herbal treatments
With increased public and market interest, herbal medicines have become popular. There seems to be an herb for almost every ailment. Some of the most commonly used herbs for seizures are:
- valerian
- sky tree
- solidified
- peony
- mugwort
- visco
- lily of the valley
- Hydrokotyle
- Ragwort
- burning bush
However, no adequate studies have been conducted on the interactions, side effects, and safety of these herbs. Some of the herbs listed above can actually cause illness or death. While some herbs can help with seizures, others can make the condition worse. Therefore, you must first discuss its use with your doctor.
Here are some herbs you should probably avoid:
- like tea
- Herbal supplements containing caffeine or ephedrine, such as kola and guarana
- Schisandra
- Chamomile
- Garlic
- Valerian, passion flower and kava
- St. John's Wort and Gingko Biloba
2. Vitamins
Certain vitamins can reduce the frequency of some seizures. However, you must understand that vitamins do not work alone. Its job is to help some medicines work more effectively. Follow your doctor's instructions before taking any vitamin supplement to avoid possible overdose.
Vitamin B-6
This vitamin is effective in treating pyridoxine-dependent seizures. This particular seizure usually develops in utero or shortly after birth. This is due to your body's inability to properly metabolize vitamin B-6.
Magnesium
MagnesiumA deficiency can increase the risk of seizures. Also,MagnesiumDietary supplements may reduce the incidence of seizures.
Vitamin E
Some people who suffer from incessant seizures may be deficient in vitamin E. Vitamin E helps reduce seizures in people whose symptoms cannot be controlled by conventional medications.
3. Change in diet
Certain dietary changes can also help reduce seizures. A ketogenic diet is the most well-known diet that focuses on eating a higher percentage of fat. The keto diet is a diet low in carbohydrates and protein. Children suffering from seizures often follow the ketogenic diet. This type of diet can complement other treatments to reduce seizures. On a ketogenic diet, you don't need to fast or count calories.
4. Biofeedback and self-control
Some people with epilepsy try to control their brain activity to reduce the rate of seizures. The theory goes that if you can spot the symptoms of an impending seizure early on, you might be able to prevent it. Most epileptics experience aura symptoms about half an hour before a seizure. With symptoms, you may experience blurred vision, see strange lights, or notice unusual smells. Some symptoms that lead to the event can last for several days. These symptoms include:
- Splitting headache
- fatigue
- Depression
- Anguish
Self-control methods are also effective in preventing or reducing the severity of the seizure when it occurs. There are several techniques, all requiring focus and good concentration. Examples include:
- Literally tell the seizure "NO!"
- Smell a strong odor
- Immerse yourself in a task
- And
- Meditation
5. Chiropractic and Acupuncture
Chiropractic and acupuncture treatments can be alternatives to conventional seizure treatment. We don't understand exactly how acupuncture works in this regard, but it's an ancient Chinese practice used to alleviate chronic pain and other conditions. Therefore, acupuncture can changebrain activityreduce seizures.
Spinal manipulation during chiropractic care can help the body heal. Also, some chiropractors use specific manipulations to control seizures on a regular basis. However, acupuncture and chiropractic are not proven effective natural remedies for seizures.
6. Avoid triggers
Seizures occur when there is an imbalance in levels of neurotransmitters, such as B. the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the stimulant glutamate. Scientists refer to the imbalance of these chemicals as a paroxysmal electrical depolarization (PDS) shift. This change is the cause of epileptic activity.
Certain activities and events can trigger this shift. Knowing your trigger can help reduce your risk of having a seizure. Some common triggers are:
- Do not take anti-seizure medications
- Use of drugs or alcohol, including some medications
- Exposure to virtual reality, 3D movies, flashes, especially in people with photosensitive epilepsy
- To emphasize
- falta de sono
However, some seizures can occur with no apparent trigger.
final thoughts
Non-drug, alternative and complementarynatural remediesfor seizures range from understanding as much as possible about the condition to miracle cures and herbal remedies. Some of these remedies have research to back them up, but others may not be effective. Some means (especially the misuse of these means) can even be dangerous.
It's important to talk to a doctor before trying natural anti-seizure remedies to ease your symptoms.