Epilepsy is a group of disorders caused by the erratic discharge of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Epilepsy is divided into two general categories, general and partial, which in turn are divided into several subtypes. The most common subtypes include generalized, focal/partial, absence, and psychomotor seizures. Febrile seizure is another subtype that usually occurs in sick children who have a sudden fever. A seizure can usually be controlled and doesn’t cause permanent problems, although it can be very dangerous if it occurs while a person is driving or is in some other potentially hazardous situation.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to the part of the brain that is affected.

• Generalized (formally called “grand mal”) seizures typically last up to 30 minutes and may include such symptoms as loss of consciousness, rhythmic jerking movements, incontinence, and an aura (that is, a warning sign before the seizure, such as nausea, or a particular taste or smell). Myoclonus seizures are a subclass of generalized seizures; they involve only muscle contractions.
• Absence (formerly known as “petitmal”) seizures are typically brief, and the person (and others) may not even know they are occurring. Typical symptoms include staring straight ahead and immobility lasting a few seconds.
• Psychomotor (formerly known as “temporal lobe”) seizures may include such symptoms as repetitive lip smacking, fiddling movements, and a sense of detachment from surroundings.
• Focal/partial (such as Jacksonian) seizures typically involve a rhythmic twitching of the hand, foot, or face, followed by a period of weakness or paralysis.

What You Need to Know

Seizures can have many causes, including lead poisoning, head injury, brain tumor or infection, alcohol or drug addiction, organ disease, and medications. So it’s important to be thoroughly evaluated and tested by a physician to detect and correct any underlying problems. There are some controversies about the treatment of seizures, especially the question of whether to treat someone who has only had one seizure. Studies have shown that treatment with seizure medication reduces further seizures by half, but 60 percent of untreated people will not have another seizure anyway. There is also possible long-term harm from seizure medication. Doctors also disagree over how long to continue seizure medication when a patient has been seizure-free on medication. Because these controversies are complex and the decisions are individualized, you should discuss them with your neurologist.

Your Balanced Healing Action Plan for Epilepsy

Step 1: Take Prescription Antiseizure Medication

Antiseizure medication is the first step for any seizures, especially if they reoccur. The most common seizure medications are carbamazepine, lamotrigine, gabapentin, phenytoin, valproate, primidone, and phenobarbital. Your seizures may not be completely controlled on just one of these medications, and you may need a combination of them.

Step 2: Receive Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be effective in reducing the frequency of chronic seizures, and it help reduce the dosage of conventional medications necessary to control them. Principal points usually are found on the neck and head. Use acupuncture only in addition to conventional methods. Always seek evaluation and treatment from a practitioner certified in acupuncture. Should experience improvement within six treatments, but you might need additional sions to get the maximum benefits.

Step 3: Take N-Acetylcysteine for Myoclonic Seizures

For myoclonus (muscle-contracting) epilepsy, I recommend taking N-acetylcysteine (4 grams to 6 grams daily), an amino acid derivative that’s been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of attacks.

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Filed under: Mental Health