Epilepsy

Overview

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide, epilepsy manifests in various seizure types ranging from brief lapses in attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. While conventional medical management typically involves anti-epileptic medications and, in some cases, surgical interventions, these approaches don't work for everyone and often come with significant side effects. The condition impacts not only physical health but also emotional well-being, cognitive function, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Many individuals with epilepsy experience anxiety about when the next seizure might occur, social stigma, driving restrictions, and limitations in daily activities. The underlying causes vary widely—from genetic factors and brain injuries to infections, developmental disorders, and sometimes unknown origins.

Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH) modalities offer valuable supportive strategies that may help reduce seizure frequency, manage triggers, support neurological health, and improve overall well-being when used alongside conventional medical care and under professional guidance.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

• Genetic factors - Hereditary epilepsy syndromes and genetic mutations affecting brain development or neurotransmitter function increase susceptibility to seizures
• Brain injuries - Traumatic head injuries from accidents, falls, or sports-related impacts can create scar tissue or structural changes that trigger abnormal electrical activity
• Structural brain abnormalities - Tumours, strokes, malformations of cortical development, or vascular abnormalities disrupt normal neurological function and may provoke seizures
• Infections - Meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscesses, or parasitic infections can damage brain tissue and create epileptic foci
• Developmental disorders - Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, neurofibromatosis, and tuberous sclerosis have higher associations with epilepsy
• Metabolic imbalances - Electrolyte disturbances (sodium, calcium, glucose), mitochondrial disorders, or metabolic diseases affect neuronal excitability and seizure threshold
• Sleep deprivation - Insufficient or poor-quality sleep significantly lowers seizure threshold and is one of the most common seizure triggers
• Stress and emotional factors - Chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional distress can trigger seizures in susceptible individuals through neurochemical and hormonal pathways
• Nutritional deficiencies - Inadequate intake of magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids may compromise neurological health and stability
• Environmental triggers - Flashing lights (photosensitivity), certain sounds, medications, alcohol, recreational drugs, or hormonal fluctuations can precipitate seizures in vulnerable individuals

Signs and Symptoms

• Seizure episodes - Recurrent events ranging from brief staring spells (absence seizures) to convulsive movements, loss of consciousness, or complex behavioural changes
• Aura or warning signs - Unusual sensations, smells, tastes, visual disturbances, or feelings of déjà vu preceding some seizures, particularly in focal epilepsy
• Post-ictal confusion - Period of disorientation, fatigue, headache, or altered mental state following seizures, lasting minutes to hours
• Memory problems - Difficulty with short-term memory, word-finding, or information retention affecting daily functioning and learning
• Sleep disturbances - Disrupted sleep patterns, nocturnal seizures, or poor sleep quality contributing to fatigue and increased seizure risk
• Emotional challenges - Depression, anxiety, mood swings, or irritability related to the condition itself or medication side effects
• Cognitive difficulties - Problems with concentration, processing speed, attention, or executive function impacting work and academic performance
• Physical injuries - Bruises, burns, fractures, or head injuries resulting from falls or accidents during seizures
• Medication side effects - Fatigue, dizziness, weight changes, cognitive dulling, or other effects from anti-epileptic drugs
• Social isolation - Withdrawal from activities, relationships, or public situations due to fear of having seizures or experiencing stigma

Holistic and TCIH Approaches

Holistic and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) care supports neurological stability, addresses seizure triggers, enhances overall brain health, and improves quality of life through evidence-informed complementary approaches used alongside conventional epilepsy management.

• Neurofeedback involves training individuals to modify their brainwave patterns through real-time feedback, helping to regulate abnormal electrical activity associated with seizures. This non-invasive approach uses sensors to monitor brain activity displayed on a screen, allowing patients to learn to produce more stable brainwave patterns through operant conditioning. Research suggests neurofeedback may reduce seizure frequency in some individuals, particularly those with focal epilepsy, by enhancing self-regulation of brain function, improving attention and cognitive performance, and potentially reducing reliance on medication over time when practised consistently under qualified guidance. Studies have shown that autonomic biofeedback therapy can reduce epileptic seizures through enhancement of fronto-limbic connectivity^[1,3,5].
• Craniosacral Therapy utilises gentle touch to release restrictions in the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This subtle approach aims to optimise the environment for central nervous system function by improving cerebrospinal fluid circulation, releasing fascial tensions that may affect neurological structures, promoting deep relaxation that can reduce seizure triggers, and supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms. Practitioners use light pressure to assess and address imbalances in cranial rhythm, potentially benefiting individuals whose seizures may be influenced by structural or tension-related factors^[12].
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches epilepsy as an imbalance in the body's energy systems, often involving liver wind, phlegm, or heat affecting the heart and brain. Treatment may include acupuncture at specific points to calm the spirit, regulate qi flow, and reduce seizure activity; herbal formulas tailored to individual patterns such as Ding Xian Wan (Arrest Seizures Pill) or modifications thereof; dietary therapy emphasising foods that calm liver yang and transform phlegm; and lifestyle recommendations aligned with TCM principles. This comprehensive approach aims to address both the symptoms and underlying constitutional imbalances contributing to seizure susceptibility. Meta-analyses have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of herbal medicine combined with acupuncture in pediatric epilepsy treatment, and Chinese herbal medicine combined with antiepileptic drugs has shown promise for intractable epilepsy^[8,11].
• Nutrition plays a crucial role in seizure management, with specific dietary approaches showing promise for some individuals. The ketogenic diet—a high-fat, low-carbohydrate protocol—has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing seizures, particularly in children, by altering brain metabolism and energy production. Modified Atkins diet and low glycemic index treatment offer less restrictive alternatives with similar benefits. Beyond therapeutic diets, nutritional support includes ensuring adequate intake of magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids—with research showing differential effects of EPA and DHA on seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy;² identifying and eliminating food sensitivities that may trigger seizures; stabilizing blood sugar through regular, balanced meals; and avoiding artificial additives, excessive caffeine, and alcohol that can lower seizure threshold^[6,7,10].
• Stress Management (Meditation) addresses one of the most common seizure triggers through regular mindfulness practice, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises. Chronic stress elevates cortisol and other neurochemicals that can increase seizure susceptibility, while meditation and mindfulness practices activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting neurological calm and stability. Techniques include mindfulness meditation to increase present-moment awareness and reduce anxiety, guided relaxation and body scans to release physical tension, breathing exercises like diaphragmatic breathing to regulate the nervous system, and progressive muscle relaxation. Consistent practice may reduce seizure frequency, improve medication effectiveness, enhance emotional well-being, and provide individuals with a greater sense of control over their condition. Clinical trials have demonstrated that mindfulness-based intervention promotes psychological well-being in people with epileps,y and mindfulness-based therapy shows efficacy for drug-resistant epilepsy^[4,9].

Self-Care and Lifestyle Practices

• Maintain consistent sleep schedule - Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep at regular times, as sleep deprivation is one of the most significant seizure triggers for many individuals
• Keep a seizure diary - Track seizure occurrences, potential triggers, medication timing, sleep quality, stress levels, and menstrual cycles to identify patterns and optimise management
• Practice stress reduction daily - Engage in relaxation techniques, meditation, gentle yoga, or activities that promote calm to minimise stress-related seizure triggers
• Avoid known triggers - Identify and minimise exposure to personal triggers such as flashing lights, alcohol, specific foods, or situations that have preceded seizures
• Stay hydrated and nourished - Maintain regular meal times, stable blood sugar levels, and adequate hydration to support optimal brain function
• Exercise safely - Engage in regular physical activity with appropriate precautions (avoid swimming alone, wear helmets for cycling) to improve overall health and potentially reduce seizures
• Take medications consistently - Never skip or alter anti-epileptic medication without medical supervision, as this can trigger breakthrough seizures or status epilepticus
• Create a safe environment - Remove sharp objects near sleeping areas, use protective padding if needed, and inform family/colleagues about seizure first aid
• Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs - These substances can interfere with medications and significantly lower seizure threshold
• Build a support network - Connect with epilepsy support groups, educate family and friends about your condition, and maintain open communication with healthcare providers

When to Seek Professional Support

Conventional medical practitioners should be consulted for proper diagnosis through EEG testing and neurological examination, prescription and management of anti-epileptic medications, evaluation of underlying causes through brain imaging and laboratory tests, adjustment of treatment protocols based on seizure control and side effects, and consideration of surgical options for medication-resistant epilepsy. Medical attention is important when experiencing changes in seizure patterns, increased frequency or severity of seizures, concerning medication side effects, new neurological symptoms, or questions about medication management. Immediate emergency care is essential for seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes, multiple seizures without regaining consciousness (status epilepticus), seizures occurring in water, difficulty breathing after a seizure, or seizures during pregnancy.

A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner can work collaboratively with medical providers to complement conventional epilepsy management through personalised TCIH approaches appropriate for individual needs and medical status. Exploring the services of practitioners in the above-mentioned fields may bring relief and positive outcomes.

This integrative approach recognises that epilepsy management is most effective when combining evidence-based conventional treatment with complementary therapies that support neurological health, reduce triggers, optimise overall well-being, and empower individuals to participate actively in their care through safe, supportive practices that honour both the medical complexity of the condition and the whole-person needs of those living with epilepsy.