Do Non-Traditional Approaches Help?
Some people with epilepsy have tried many different approaches to improve their seizure control. In some cases, the person feels that they have experienced improvement. However, scientific studies have not been conducted into most non-traditional approaches. Techniques known to reduce stress or improve overall health may be helpful to some people. Other techniques that have been tried are biofeedback, diets, acupuncture, and meditation.
Does Transcendental Meditation Have Any Effect on Epilepsy?
The medical community has not determined if things such as transcendental meditation have any real effect on epilepsy. It has been shown that when people know what is happening at a given moment, some can influence the automatic processes of the body. With biofeedback, some people can moderate and possibly change certain functions thought to be involuntary, such as the rhythm of their brain waves, blood pressure, heart rate, etc. The significance of this for epilepsy is not known.
Does Biofeedback Help?
Biofeedback is the process of moderating, limiting or changing certain physiological functions previously thought to be involuntary, such as heart rate, blood pressure, brain waves, etc. For epilepsy, a person could be given extensive biofeedback training and taught behavioural modification techniques through which he/she controls certain physiological functions related to seizures. Biofeedback training can also be taught as a method of stress reduction. This in itself can reduce the frequency of seizures in some persons with stress related seizures. Further study is needed to ascertain the value of biofeedback in the treatment of epilepsy. Non-medical approaches may improve seizure control in some persons, but should not be undertaken without the knowledge of the physician prescribing the anticonvulsants. Under no circumstances should anticonvulsants be stopped suddenly as this may precipitate prolonged and life-threatening seizures.
Is There a Special Diet for People with Epilepsy?
Good nutritional habits and a healthy life style may assist in the maintenance of optimum seizure control. Experiencing a drastic weight change may mean that either a chemical or metabolic imbalance is occurring, and you should consult your physician. Though some anticonvulsants may cause nutrient deficiencies in some people, a well balanced diet will usually prevent this.