Natural Remedies for Seizures
Epilepsy is an illness that affects people across age groups. It is a central nervous system disorder in which brain cell activity becomes disturbed, resulting in unusual behavior patterns such as seizures and loss of awareness. Seizure attacks can lead to many injuries and severe health consequences, making it imperative to get the right treatment at the earliest. Given below are some natural seizure treatment options to explore and various causes of the condition.
Different types of remedies for seizures
There are many treatment plans and therapies available to treat seizures. Each method has its own merits and demerits. Some people turn to natural seizure treatment procedures alongside therapies and prescription remedies, while others need just some remedial methods. The methods are decided by trained health professionals according to the patient’s choice and the severity or the nature of the seizures.
These natural remedies for epilepsy include a wide range of treatment procedures that can help deal with seizures.
Herbal treatments
Traditional herbs such as valerian, mugwort, peony, groundsel, and lily of the valley can be used to regulate the electronic signals and help prevent seizures.
Some herbs have sedative effects, which may help bring a significant improvement in the patient’s condition.
Although some flowers help in dealing with epilepsy, others may have side effects or worsen the symptoms. One must consult with their doctor before opting for this natural seizure treatment.
Ketogenic meal plans
Aside from adopting it as a lifestyle, keto is usually prescribed by a physician or a nutritionist to patients who are in need of it to meet certain health requirements.
Seizures due to epilepsy can be reduced by following a ketogenic meal plan.
The goal of this meal plan is to lead to ketosis. Ketosis is the chemical breakdown of proteins in our muscles, and this activity can reduce seizures.
Other meal plan changes
The Atkins diet is a protein-rich meal plan that can play a role in the natural treatment of seizures by reducing their intensity.
Adding grape seed extract and fish oil to your foods can help. Grape seed extract has highly protective compounds for your brain, while fish oil is rich in omega-3 acids. These natural substances can reduce the incidence of seizures.
Vitamins
Consuming food rich in vitamin B6 aids in controlling seizures.
Other helpful nutrients are vitamin E, vitamin D, taurin, manganese, and magnesium.
Relaxation techniques
Stress, pressure, and other mental discomforts can trigger seizures. So it is important to follow any relaxation techniques as a natural seizure treatment.
Methods of relaxation such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, head massage, body massage, and aromatherapy can calm your body and mind and reduce the occurrence of seizures.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a method that uses electrical sensors to alter brain waves. It is found to be quite beneficial in cases of people with epilepsy.
Individuals can also look into the self-control method, which stresses on training the brain to detect seizure symptoms before they occur. It helps a person recognize changes that occur in their body and develop techniques to minimize seizures.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another natural seizure treatment used as an alternative to conventional treatment methods.
Exactly how this method helps has not yet been clearly understood; however, it is suggested that it can reduce seizures in some people by increasing parasympathetic tone and changing autonomic dysfunction.
Another similar alternative for reducing seizures is the chiropractic treatment that aims to improve spinal motion in our body.
Patient education
Creating awareness about epilepsy and seizures is a good way to help those with it cope effectively.
The aspects of such education include understanding what seizures are and why they happen, understanding what to expect, establishing treatment plans, and spreading seizure-related awareness and news in the community.
Preventing seizure triggers
Certain events in one’s daily life increase the chances of seizures. Be sure to recognize such triggers and work accordingly to successfully prevent or minimize seizure episodes. The most common triggers include lack of sleep, excessive screen time or exposure to 3D graphics, virtual reality and flashing lights (for those who are vulnerable to photosensitive seizures).
What can cause seizures?
The exact cause of epilepsy can vary from person to person. The usual identifiable causes and risk factors for the condition include:
Abnormalities in the brain, such as malformations, tumors, and stroke.
Head trauma and head injuries that occurred as a result of an accident or other traumatic injuries.
Any genetic disorder that runs in families, especially ones related to the brain.
Infections such as parasitic infections, HIV and other viral infections.
Prenatal brain damage (which can be a result of poor nutrition, non-availability of enough oxygen, and certain infections in the mother).
Development disorders such as autism and nervous system disabilities.
Family history of seizures.
Brain infections and vascular diseases.
Natural seizure treatments tend to help the most when used with other remedies. Completely relying on them can pose many risks and might not be effective as therapy and other treatments. So, be sure to get advice from a physician before trying any natural remedies for epilepsy on your own.