Epilepsy is a medical disease of the brain characterised by recurrent seizures that are sudden surges of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can affect behaviour, awareness or movement for a short period. Having one seizure doesn't automatically mean someone has epilepsy, it tends to be diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures. It can happen to anyone at any age and in many cases, there is not one single obvious cause for the issue.
Seizures don't always cause shaking and loss of consciousness. Others are short spells of staring, confusion or a strange feeling only lasting for a short time and difficult to notice in children. That's why it is sometimes easier to miss the diagnosis of epilepsy.
It's important to understand that for epilepsy ayurvedic treatment in Pune, it is not a choice that one can make to give up on a prescribed anti-seizure medication. It's a way of collaborating with your neurologist's treatment, with Ayurvedic principles guiding to work with the nervous system and for many patients, to decrease the frequency of seizures over time.
Symptoms of Epilepsy
The symptoms of seizures are not quite the same for every type:
- Uncontrolled arm and leg movements.
- Temporary confusion, or blank, staring spell.
- Loss of consciousness or awareness, for a few seconds to a few minutes
- Rigid muscles or sudden falls.
- Unusual feelings that occur before a seizure, such as feeling strange or frightened, or a sensation in the stomach area.
- In some types of seizures, such as repetitive movements (lip smacking, walking without purpose).
When a person has an episode that looks like a seizure but for which there is no clear cause, or when it happens more than once, it's vital it is properly evaluated, not brushed aside.
Common causes and risk factors
In most cases, doctors may not be able to determine a specific cause of epilepsy. In Ayurvedic medicine, seizures are primarily associated with aggravated Vata dosha disturbing the nervous system, and occasionally with Kapha dosha blocking mental clarity.
- Brain injury due to trauma, stroke or inadequate oxygen supply at birth
- Brain infections such as meningitic or encephalitic infection
- In some types of epilepsy, the gene is passed on in the family.
- Developmental disorders, sometimes with childhood epilepsy
- Brain tumors or structural abnormalities in a smaller number of cases,
- High fever in childhood, sometimes followed by a seizure disorder.
Vata aggravating factors include irregular sleep pattern, high stress and an unstable daily routine, which are believed to be relevant factors in Ayurveda.
Prevention of Epilepsy
Epilepsy cannot always be prevented, particularly if the cause is a genetic or structural defect, but there are ways of minimising the frequency and triggers of seizures:
- Follow your medication regimen religiously, one of the most common triggers for seizures is missed doses of medication.
- Get enough and consistent sleep – sleep deprivation is a known trigger
- If stress is a regular problem, deal with it as this may aggravate the Vata and make seizures more likely.
- Once identified, avoid the triggers known to create an emotional response in you, such as flashing lights and certain situations.
- Keep a consistent daily schedule; it can become unstable in the long run if it is irregular.
About Dr. Rajeev Keloth Nambiar
Epilepsy Ayurvedic treatment in Pune is sought after by families who are already under the care of a neurologist and seek further assistance to rationalize seizures and help in improving the overall health of their nervous system. Dr. Rajeev Keloth Nambiar (BAMS, MD) operates in this context, with herbal formulations and Vata balancing therapies to enhance the nervous system with lifestyle & routine correction always in coordination with prevailing medical therapies.
Over the last 26 years, Dr. Nambiar has treated a number of families who wanted to pursue an alternative treatment for their child's absent epilepsy and other nerve and neurological issues rather than replacing their prescribed anti-seizure medications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Of course, it is never a good idea to stop taking medication without direction from a neurologist! Ayurvedic treatment is not the treatment and does not replace the treatment.
Although the mechanism is the same, there may be variations in causes and type of seizures, so treatment is always individualised.
Yes, in many patients, stress and sleep are known precipitants of seizures.
Generally, there is a progressive improvement in overall stability over a few months of steady treatment; however, this is dependent on each family.