AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE ON EPILEPSY

Ayurvedically, a seizure may represent a kind of nervous system colic. The nervous system fires asynchronously, leading to twitching. The recovery stage resembles a reboot of the nervous system. This "reboot" takes time as all systems resynchronize. Awareness starts as a dot then expands slowly to include all systems.

Epilepsy is called Apasmara (Apa = loss, smara = memory, intelligence and/or consciousness) in Ayurveda, and classified as a vata disorder. In Chinese medicine, a seizure is related to heat in the heart.

There are many types of seizures. Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) is due to chemical malfunction of nervous system, suspected to be systemic and genetic. In one type, a genetic defect causes immature development of the pores in the cell membrane of the nerve axon. As a result, the cell is unable to keep sodium ions from permeating the membrane, disrupting the function of the potassium channel. This makes the nerve fire more often.

Flashing lights may trigger a seizure due to an effect called "cortical driving."

Acute Seizure

If you see a person having a seizure, call 911 immediately. During the seizure keep head forward, lay the person on their side so they don't aspirate saliva or vomit into the lungs. Do not attempt CPR or heimlich (but check breathing to make sure they are not choking). Do not stick anything in the person's mouth.

If the seizure lasts for a longtime (15+ minutes) it can cause hypoxia if the person is unable to breathe well. At the emergency room, doctors may order various tests including an EKG, cat scan, blood test, urine test, and a neurological exam. These tests rule out causative factors. Then, they may recommend an appointment with a neurologist for further testing (EEG, MRI).

If no causative factors are found, it may be epilepsy. Epilepsy is confirmed by two or more episodes of seizures. The probability of a second seizure within one year is 25%, and 45% within 3 years. Unprovoked seizures are most common in infants and at puberty. Infection b y tapeworm (Neurocystericercosis) is the most common cause of epilepsy in many tropical countries as well as some isolated areas of the U.S.

Nonpharmcological treatment

Nonpharmacological treatment of epilepsy includes surgery, vagal nerve stimulation, ketogenic diet, and other alternative/complementary therapies, e.g., yoga, Ayurveda, electroencephalography (EEG) biofeedback technique, aerobic exercise, music therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, acupuncture, and herbal remedies (traditional Chinese medicine). (source: Nonpharmacological treatment of epilepsy)

Ayurvedic Approach

Please review and research the ideas below to determine their suitability for your health and wellness. Please contact your doctor before making any changes to your health and wellness.

Avoid Triggers

Keep a journal to record potential triggers. Note time of year, time of day, what the person was doing, recent foods, and where the seizure occurred. Some common triggers include lack of sleep, stress, mirrors, and flashes of light.

Maintain a Relaxed, Balanced & Resilient Nervous System

Research the following techniques below to support the nervous system as much as possible, which may reduce the number and length of seizures.

Monitor Your Nervous System

Notice in general when your nervous system is tense, or "off". Then take simple measures to relax and/or restore balance generally. Set a "wellness checkin" alarm every hour during school to 1) self monitor how you feel, 2) move lymph and 3) detox: stretch, drink some water, walk around, etc.

There are many potential causes of nervous system upset, and these have to be determined on an individual basis.