Taming Seizures
By Dr. Rita
All rights reserved

Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system and the brain. It is typified by recurring seizures and is defined as an abnormal discharge of the brain’s nervous system, resulting in temporary disturbances in motor, sensory or mental functions. It is estimated that nearly 2.5 million Americans are affected by this condition.

Our brain cells are constantly sending out electrical signals that travel along the nerves to the rest of the body. These signals tell the muscles how and where to move. If too many brain cells are transmitting signals to our bodies at the same time, it can cause the brain to go haywire, as if the electrical lines of the brain are on overload, and we experience a seizure.

When most people think of a seizure, they picture what is called a Grand Mal Seizure. With this type of seizure, the individual loses consciousness and the body begins to convulse uncontrollably. There are, however, six different types of seizures, most of which have symptoms that are much less dramatic.

Some individuals with epilepsy may just stare blankly out into space or have a twitching or jerking movement in one part of their body such as a finger, an arm or even a foot. They may experience a tingling throughout one side of their body, or their speech may become slurred or unclear during the period of the seizure.

Seizures come on suddenly. They can occur as frequently as every day or only once in awhile. Typically after a seizure is over, the individual may feel sleepy, confused and may not remember what has just happened. Others may find themselves alert and ready to resume their activities.

While a diagnosis of epilepsy is an indication of repeated seizures, a seizure can also be triggered by excessive dehydration or even an extremely high temperature. These individuals, however, are not typically identified as being epileptic or having a seizure disorder.

Today, doctors are still uncertain why some people have epilepsy; however, they do recognize that there are some things that can make someone more likely to develop it. These include brain injury, an illness or infection to the brain (especially in developing infants), brain tumors, strokes, as well as lead or alcohol poisoning.

In addition to natural remedies and alternative health ideas that can help to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of a seizure, it is important for sufferers to recognize that certain things can trigger a seizure. These include: flashing or bright lights, lack of sleep, fever, stress, hyperventilation, and the over-stimulation from certain kinds of medications.

Recommendations For health

Avoid foods that stimulate the body such as coffee, tea, caffeinated soft drinks, white flour, and white sugar.

Spend some time trying to identify any foods that may trigger an attack.

Many people have experienced relief by incorporating a Ketogenic Diet. A Ketogenic Diet is very high in fats and low in carbohydrates.

Eliminate aspartame, monosodium glutamate and alcohol from diet. Each of these is suspected of triggering seizures.

Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep can increase the risk of seizures.

Try meditating, doing yoga or biofeedback to reduce the stress in your life.

Keep a diary of the dates, time, duration and a description of all pre and post seizure experiences. This is very important.

Supplement your diet with magnesium. Individuals with epilepsy have been shown to have lower magnesium levels.

Passion flower is useful for calming an over-stimulated nervous system. It can be used to both prevent and treat seizures, especially if seizures are stress induced.

GABA affects the central nervous system by reducing the number of neurons firing in the brain, thus calming brain activity. This can benefit people with over-stimulated nervous systems.

In some studies, supplementation with Vitamin E reduced the frequency of seizures.

The herb skullcap can also be used to help calm the body and reduce over-stimulation.

The amino acid taurine is thought to play a role in the electrical activity of the brain. Low levels of taurine have been associated with some forms of epilepsy.

Note: Some reports indicate that supplementation with evening primrose oil and ginkgo biloba may worsen symptoms and should be avoided.

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer – www.soulhealer.com 2008. All rights reserved.

Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D., is a Naturopathic Physician, the founder of the Institute of Applied Energetics, as well as host of the internet, Just Energy Radio. She is author of, Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4 and The Power Within. Her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional clairvoyant enlivens her work. Vsit www.soulhealer.com 

 
A Metaphysical, Spiritual, Holistic Publication   |   In Light Times   |    This Issue's Index