Epilepsy

Technically not a disease, epilepsy is a disorder that results from excessive electrical activity in the brain and nervous system. Normally, brain cells transmit electrical impulses in a highly regulated manner. People with epilepsy, however, experience periods when many brain cells fire all at once. This uncontrolled discharge produces symptoms that can range from a blank stare to a loss of consciousness with convulsions. These episodes are called seizures (epilepsy is also known as seizure disorder). Having a single seizure is not necessarily a sign of epilepsy, which is actually defined as having recurrent seizures. In fact, only 27% of people who have a seizure will have another within three years.

In more than half of epilepsy cases, the cause of the disorder is unknown. In the remaining cases, seizures can sometimes be traced to a previous head injury, stroke, brain tumor, or brain infection. Experts think that anyone is susceptible to seizures, but for some reason, certain individuals are particularly vulnerable. Heredity seems to play some role.

In people with epilepsy, low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and low levels of certain nutrients (such as magnesium or B vitamins) can induce seizures. In addition, a lack of sleep, drinking too much alcohol, stress, or an illness may trigger a seizure even in people who do not have epilepsy.

Supplements and herbs

Under no circumstances should individuals using anticonvulsant drugs for epilepsy stop taking them or reduce the dosage on their own. The supplements are not a substitute for prescription drugs. Instead, they may help correct nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to seizures or aid in controlling seizures in people who continue to have them despite medication. Supplements may eventually allow a physician to reduce the dosage of anticonvulsant drugs, which often have unpleasant side effects.

Adequate amounts of B vitamins, especially B6 and folic acid, are important because they are involved in the manufacture of brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) that transmit messages throughout the nervous system. Because B vitamins work closely together, it's best to take a vitamin B complex supplement. Other nutrients that promote brain and nerve health are calcium, magnesium, and manganese; you may be getting the amounts you need from your daily multivitamin and mineral, or another supplement. The addition of GABA (gamma- aminobutyric acid) can be considered; low levels of this brain chemical appear to be linked to seizures. Though it does not directly control seizures, the herb kava may be useful in reducing stress and anxiety, which can trigger these episodes. The amino acid taurine may mimic the action of GABA in the body, so choose either it or GABA.

What else you can do

• Get plenty of sleep. Fatigue can predispose you to seizures.
• Avoid alcohol. It can interfere with anticonvulsant medications and possibly contribute to seizures.

How much to take

Vitamin B complex

1 pill each morning with food.
Look for a B-50 complex with 50 mcg vitamin B12 and biotin; 400 mcg folic acid; and 50 mg all other B vitamins.

Calcium / Magnesium

250 mg each twice a day with food.
Sometimes sold in a single supplement.

GABA

500 mg twice a day.
Often combined with inositol; has tranquilizing effect.

Kava

250 mg twice a day.
Standardized to contain at least 30% kavalactones.

Manganese

20 mg a day.
Take with meals.

Taurine

500 mg L -taurine 3 times a day on empty stomach.
lf using longer than 1 month, add mixed amino acids.

For kids

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

• Milk thistle helps detoxify the liver and can be helpful in avoiding side effects or damage from anticonvulsant medication.
• Minor bupleurum helps to calm and strengthen the nervous system. Give your child one dose, twice a day, for three months of the year (one month each in winter, spring, and fall).
  Note: Minor bupleurum should not be given to a child who has a fever or any other sign of an acute infection.

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