At Present the most successful treatment for epilepsy is anti-epileptic medication which achieves control in approximately 70% of cases. Literature about the use of complementary therapies in epilepsy is limited, but interest and research in this area is growing. Although there is little known about the effectiveness of complementary treatments, and their success is variable, they can help people with epilepsy achieve a sense of control over their bodies and lives.

Although sometimes referred to as ‘alternative therapies’ these treatments are not an alternative to anti-epileptic medication and should be used to complement any existing drug treatment only with the knowledge and approval of your doctor.

As approximately 30% of people with epilepsy find that their seizures increase during times of stress and many complementary therapies involve some type of relaxation, the following treatments have proved helpful for some people.

relaxation

Everyone finds different ways of relaxing and being relaxed does not necessarily mean being inactive. Some people enjoy walking or swimming, others enjoy art or music. Yoga and meditation are also good techniques which can help prevent the occurrence of stress-related seizures.

aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the use of pure aromatic oils extracted from wild or cultivated plants which are then diluted in a carrier oil or in water. The oils have distinct properties which act on the body and brain.

UNDILUTED AROMATHERAPY OILS SHOULD NEVER BE APPLIED DIRECTLY TO THE SKIN.

Diluted relaxing oils may be massaged into the skin or used in an oil burner to assist in the reduction of stress. Research has shown that ylang ylang, camomile and lavender can be beneficial to people with epilepsy. However certain oils are thought to have an alerting affect on the brain namely rosemary, hyssop, sweet fennel and sage, and these should be avoided by people who have epilepsy. Before embarking on any aromatherapy treatment a qualified aromatherapist should be consulted.

For details of qualified aromatherapist in your area contact:

The international Federation of aromatherapist, Royal Masonic Hospital, Ravenscourt Park, London W6 0TN

For further information about the use of aromatherapy for people with epilepsy, contact:

The Epilepsy Liaison Service, Queen Elizabeth Psychiatric Hospital Mendelssohn Way, Birmingham B15 2QZ

acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient system of treatment which has developed as part of the traditional medicine of the Far East, and is becoming increasingly popular as a complementary therapy in the West. Acupuncture is a holistic remedy which aims to treat the whole patient and to restore the balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Acupuncture, like aromatherapy, has been found to be effective for some people in reducing stress and anxiety levels, and is therefore thought to be beneficial for people who experience increased seizures during times of stress.

Sometimes massage is used instead of needles to treat acupuncture points and is known as ‘acupressure’. This method involves tapping the points with a rounded probe or laser and can be suitable for children and those who have fear of needles.

Should you be interested in acupuncture or acupressure as treatments for epilepsy a list of your local qualified practitioners can be requested from:

The British Acupuncture council, Park House, 206-208 Latimer Road, London W10 6RE

ketogenic diet

Designed in the 1020’s the Ketogenic diet is a diet very high in fat content. It has been used mainly in children with very severe epilepsy, such as those with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.

THE KETOGENIC DIET SHOULD ONLY B USED IN CONSULTATION WITH A DIETICIAN AND WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR DOCTOR.

The success of the diet has been found to be limited and is usually short-lived.