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Evidence for using yoga in epilepsy Yoga stimulates the vagus nerve and decreases seizure frequency by 28-38% by modulating the brain waves, limbic system, and autonomic nervous system activity (4).

Which yoga is good for epilepsy?

Can Yoga Help with Epilepsy? – Yoga for epilepsy may not be commonly known about. The practice of yoga has been proven to provide lasting health benefits. Yoga is not just about some physical movements; asanas (yoga postures) and yogic breathing exercises have a positive impact on the functioning of the nervous system. According to studies, a well-balanced Hatha Yoga or Yin Yoga practice can calm down the nervous system, which can reduce the chances of entering into a seizure and might even help to stop the seizure before it becomes full-blown. Interestingly, if yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation are practiced regularly and long enough, these may lead to some permanent changes in the brain.

1. Yoga for epilepsy then becomes a viable option as a supplementary habit for the management of epilepsy along with medication.
2. There is a chance that after the prolonged specific practice of yoga for epilepsy, positive changes in the body and brain can occur.
3. These changes may help prevent seizures and increase the duration of seizure-free periods.

In this way, yoga for epilepsy can be seen as a complementary treatment for those with epilepsy.

Can exercise cure epilepsy?

Exercise and epilepsy – Exercise is good for everyone, but it also has important benefits for people with epilepsy. Occasionally seizures can be triggered by physical exercise, but this is rare. In general, physical activity doesn’t worsen epilepsy and in many cases, it may even improve seizure control through improved overall health.

Special care or caution is needed with sports involving heights such as some types of gymnastics (for example, parallel bars and uneven bars) or horse riding.Sports that involve extreme risk if a seizure should happen, such as hang-gliding, scuba-diving, downhill skiing, free climbing and car or motorbike racing are not recommended.Additional limitations are necessary for people who have frequent seizures, or whose epilepsy is accompanied by other disabilities.Most sports activities are safe but it’s wise to avoid overexertion, becoming dehydrated and hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) as these situations can increase the risk of a seizure happening.

What is the best exercise for epilepsy?

Can I do exercise if I’m tired or ill? – You may not feel like doing exercise if you are tired due to seizures or because of the side effects of your medication. However, even gentle exercise can actually boost energy levels. Some people with epilepsy may worry about doing in exercise in case they hurt themselves during a seizure.

Can epilepsy be cured permanently?

Is there a cure for epilepsy? – There’s no cure for epilepsy. But there are many options to treat epilepsy.

Is marriage good for epilepsy?

Frequently Asked Questions On Epilepsy MARRIAGE & PREGNANCY: Q: Can persons with epilepsy have a normal married life? A: From a medical point of view, persons with epilepsy can marry. However, in some countries there have been laws and in others even now there are laws that prevent persons with epilepsy to marry.

1. It is important that the would be spouse of a person with epilepsy should be aware of the situation.
2. This prevents a lot of unnecessary misunderstandings later on in life.
3. Counseling for marriage is a very delicate and special situation where extreme caution is necessary.
4. The belief that epilepsy (especially in young girls) can be cured by marriage invariably complicates the whole problem and all efforts must be made to get rid of this notion.

On the other hand, epilepsy should not be a bar to marriage in individuals with good seizure control. In a case where the seizures are too frequent with poor control, marriage may be inadvisable because of the obvious handicap. The individual should be told to inform the prospective marriage partner of the nature of the problem so that subsequent disasters can be avoided.

1. It is useful to remember that anyone can have seizures and at any age.
2. It should be understood that only some types of epilepsy have a hereditary basis.
3. In such situations, the epileptic person is at risk of passing the epilepsy on to his/her children.
4. In practical terms, the chance of one epileptic parent passing on epilepsy to the child is small.

The risk of a child of an epileptic parent having epilepsy is only marginally higher than the risk of a child born to non-epileptic parents except when the parents have one of the well-defined hereditary epileptic syndromes. However, if both parents have epilepsy the risk of their children developing epilepsy is substantially higher than in general population.

• It is, therefore, medically recommended that most patients with epilepsy can marry and have children.
• As in many other situations, such decisions need to be taken separately for each individual keeping in mind many factors that may affect the decision.
• The marriageable girls with epilepsy must be reassured that most of the drugs can safely be continued throughout pregnancy and the risk of the baby is not greater than the harm that may be caused by stopping the treatment and precipitating seizures.

Q: What is the effect of epilepsy on pregnancy and pregnancy on epilepsy? A: It has been seen that in 1/4 of pregnant women with epilepsy the seizures can worsen, in another 1/4 the seizures can improve and in the remaining half there is no change in the seizure frequency during pregnancy.

Epilepsy can affect the pregnancy in many ways. Seizures during pregnancy can harm both the pregnant woman and her baby, especially if the seizures are frequent. Practically all the drugs that are used to treat epilepsy have effect on the fetus. Carbamazepine is probably safer than other anti-epileptic drugs available today.

On the whole, there may be about 2-3 times more risk of an abnormal baby being born to epileptic mothers who are on treatment as compared to the general population. Even with this increased risk, almost 90 to 95% epileptic mothers can have a normal baby.

The anti-epileptic drugs must be continued in the same dosage during the entire pregnancy. Treatment with one drug is preferred as the harmful effects to the baby increase if more than one drug are used. Occasionally estimation of drugs level in the blood may be required. The delivery of epileptic mothers should always be carried out in a well-equipped medical setup (preferably in a hospital) with regular antenatal visits.

It must again be pointed out that most of epileptic mothers usually have an eventful pregnancy and produce normal and healthy babies. Q: Can mothers with epilepsy breast feed their babies while taking anti-epileptic drugs? A: Most of the anti-epileptic drugs taken by mothers are excreted in breast milk but their concentration varies according to chemical properties of the drug.

Drugs like phenobarbitone can have significant concentration in the milk and infants being fed on such milk can be lethargic and irritable. Carbamazepine can also be present in low concentrations in breast milk but diphenylhydantoin and valproate rarely cause any problems. On the whole, most mothers having epilepsy can safely breast-feed their babies while taking their anti-epileptic drugs.

In case of any problems, they should get in touch with their treating doctor. Next» Myth Epilepsy is due to the effect of “evil spirits” or “supernatural powers”. It is also a form of “madness”. So, epilepsy should be treated by faith-healers, sorcerers (witch-craft) or in a lunatic asylum.

Fact Myth Fact Myth Fact Myth Fact Myth Fact

Epilepsy is a disease of the brain. Hence, epilepsy should be treated by neurologists, epileptologists, physicians and paediatricians. One should never touch a patient having a seizure in order to avoid the disease being passed on to you. If a patient is having a seizure, he/she needs your help and care.

1. Epilepsy cannot be passed on to others by touching the patient.
2. An epileptic seizure can be terminated by putting a key in the patient’s hand or by making a patient smell onions or a dirty shoe.
3. None of these non-medical measures are of any use.
4. Family members and teachers should be made aware of first-aid measures required during a seizure.

Children with epilepsy are dull and cannot learn. They should not be sent to school. Children with epilepsy can be extremely intelligent. It is usually ignorance about various aspects of epilepsy that prevents parents from sending their children to school.

Many times the teachers also have misconceptions and do not encourage children with epilepsy to attend school. Treatment for epilepsy with modern medicines is ineffective and expensive. “Seizures” or “fits” that occur in epilepsy can be completely controlled by using a single, inexpensive medicine in 60-70% patients.

Another 15-20% patients can be helped by the use of new, but slightly expensive drugs. A few cases can be successfully treated with surgery. Epilepsy can even be cured in some cases. : Frequently Asked Questions On Epilepsy

Has anyone been cured of epilepsy?

Summary – There is no cure for epilepsy, and people with the condition have an average reduced life expectancy of 10–12 years. That said, people with the disorder can live completely normal and seizure-free lives if they find the right type of therapy.

Do any celebrities have epilepsy?

Famous People with Epilepsy Socrates: It has been hypothesized by scholars that Socrates had a mild case of temporal lobe epilepsy without secondary generalization, due to some of his enigmatic remarks and behaviors. Scholars investigated the possibility of underlying epilepsy in Socrates by analyzing pathographic evidence in ancient literature from the viewpoint of the current understanding of seizure semiology.

Joan of Arc: Joan of Arc may have had a type of epilepsy that affects the part of the brain responsible for hearing, or idiopathic partial epilepsy with auditory features. (“Idiopathic” means that the epilepsy likely has a genetic cause, and “partial” means that the epilepsy affects only one area of the brain).

Several aspects of Joan’s symptoms, which have been detailed in historical accounts, help support this diagnosis. Napoleon Bonaparte: The evidence shows that Napoleon Bonaparte had both psychogenic and epileptic attacks. The psychogenic attacks were likely related to the tremendous stress in his life, and the epileptic seizures were the result of chronic uremia from a severe urethral stricture caused by gonorrhea that was transmitted from his wife, Empress Josephine.

Theodore Roosevelt: Throughout his life, Roosevelt suffered from epilepsy and was prone to epileptic seizures, but that did not hold him from his convictions. Upon the end of the Spanish-American war, he was elected governor of New York in 1898. Named as Vice President under President McKinley’s re-election in 1901, he assumed the presidency at age 42 after McKinley was assassinated.

James Madison: In 1775, James Madison attended a militia drill and suddenly collapsed without warning. Madison’s collapse at age 24 has been referred to as an “absence seizure” because the victim appears to momentarily be elsewhere. These seizures, a form of epilepsy also known as “petit mal” (from the French word for “little illness”) usually are brief, often less than 15 seconds and barely noticeable, in contrast to other seizure disorders.

1. Harriet Tubman: When Harriet Tubman was a teenager, she acquired a traumatic brain injury when a slave owner struck her in the head.
2. This resulted in her developing epileptic seizures and hypersomnia.
3. She did not let her disability keep her or those around her enslaved.
4. Tubman is a prominent figure and was not afraid to be a leader as an African American, a woman and a person with a disability.

Charles Dickens: Dickens is thought to have suffered from epilepsy as a child and possibly throughout his life. Several of his characters – including Monks in “Oliver Twist”, Guster in “Bleak House” and Bradley Headstone in “Our Mutual Friend” – experience “fits” resembling epileptic seizures.

Modern doctors have observed that Dickens described “the falling sickness”, as it was then known, with incredible medical accuracy. Edgar Allan Poe: Edgar Allan Poe, one of the most celebrated of American storytellers, lived through and wrote descriptions of episodic unconsciousness, confusion, and paranoia.

These symptoms have been attributed to alcohol or drug abuse but also could represent complex partial seizures, prolonged postictal states, or postictal psychosis. Complex partial seizures were not well described in Poe’s time, which could explain a misdiagnosis.

Alternatively, he may have suffered from complex partial epilepsy that was complicated or caused by substance abuse. Prince: World-famous singer Prince was quoted speaking about his epilepsy: “I’ve never spoken about this before, but I was born epileptic and I used to have seizures when I was young,” he told US talk-show host Tavis Smiley.

“And my mother and father didn’t know what to do or how to handle it, but they did the best they could with what little they had.” Jason Snelling: Prior to his sophomore football season, Jason Snelling was diagnosed with epilepsy which caused him to take a medical redshirt during that season.

• His rushing average is still the fifth best on the all-time rushing list at Virginia.
• Off the field, Jason continues to very active in the Epilepsy Foundation both locally and nationally.
• In 2013, he participated in a national epilepsy walk in Washington, DC and supports their biggest fundraiser of the year, Taste of Love, as well as participates in the Magnolia Run to benefit that worthy cause.

Danny Glover: The Academy Award-winning actor struggled with epilepsy and seizures as a child. Like many people with epilepsy, he outgrew the disorder. Glover attributes part of his success to being able to recognize the warning signs of seizures after his first one at the age of 15.

He said “Eventually, I could recognize it happening Each time I got a bit stronger and the symptoms began to diminish to the point where I was ready to go on stage.” Chief Justice John Roberts: When Chief Justice John Roberts experienced the second seizure of his life on July 30th, 2007, he may have become, in medical terms, an epileptic.

Doctors classify anyone who has experienced two or more unexplained seizures as having epilepsy. His seizure, as well as an earlier episode that occurred 14 years ago, were “benign idiopathic,” meaning that their cause is unknown. The diagnosis of epilepsy, say experts, may not necessarily mean that Roberts will have to take anti-seizure medication, which can control the electrical activity of the brain, or have to be concerned that future events will impair his ability to function on the Supreme Court.

Can you fight with epilepsy?

Combat sports – Boxing or martial arts sports that involve blows to the head are not recommended for people with epilepsy due to the high risk of head injury.

What is the best diet for epilepsy?

Ketogenic Diet The “classic” ketogenic diet is a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that helps to control seizures in some people with epilepsy. It is prescribed by a physician and carefully monitored by a dietitian. It is usually used in children with seizures that do not respond to,

The name ketogenic means that it produces ketones in the body. (keto = ketone; genic = producing) Ketones are formed when the body uses fat for its source of energy.Usually the body uses carbohydrates (such as sugar, bread, pasta) for its fuel. Because the ketogenic diet is very low in carbohydrates, fats become the primary fuel instead. The body can work very well on ketones (and fats).Ketones are not dangerous. They can be detected in the urine, blood, and breath. Ketones are one of the more likely mechanisms of action of the diet, with higher ketone levels often leading to improved seizure control. However, there are many other theories for why the diet will work.

In a January 23, 2019 webinar, Dr. Elaine Kiriakopoulos, Dr. Eric Kossoff, and Registered Dietitian Zahava Turner talked about the history, components, safety, effectiveness, recent developments, and more related to the use of ketogenic diets in the treatment of epilepsy.

Doctors usually recommend the ketogenic diet for children whose seizures have not responded to several different,The classic diet is usually not recommended for adults, mostly because the restricted food choices make it hard to follow. However, the does work well. This also should be done with a good team of adult neurologists and dietitians.The ketogenic diet has been shown in many studies to be particularly helpful for some epilepsy conditions. These include, Rett syndrome,,,, and, Using a formula-only ketogenic diet for infants and gastrostomy-tube fed children may lead to better compliance and possibly even improved efficacy.Recent studies have also shown that infants can be successfully started on dietary therapy too.The diet works well for children with, but may be less likely to lead to an immediate seizure-free result.In general, the diet can always be considered as long as there are no clear metabolic or mitochondrial reasons not to use it.The diet is sometimes started to help reduce or even stop anti-seizure drugs. However, that does not always occur – often it is a “partnership” between drugs and food to help reduce seizures that works.

The typical “classical” ketogenic diet, called the “long-chain triglyceride diet,” provides 3 to 4 grams of fat for every 1 gram of carbohydrate and protein. That is about 90% of calories from fat.Usually when the classic ketogenic diet is prescribed, the total calories are matched to the number of calories the person needs. For example, if a child is eating a 1500 calorie regular diet, it would be changed to a 1500 calorie ketogenic diet. For very young children only, the diet may be prescribed based on weight, for example 75 to 100 calories for each kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. If it sounds complicated, it is! That’s why people need a dietician’s help when using this diet.A ketogenic diet “ratio” is the ratio of fat to carbohydrate and protein grams combined.

A 4:1 ratio is more strict than a 3:1 ratio and is typically used for most children.A 3:1 ratio is typically used for infants, adolescents, and children who require higher amounts of protein or carbohydrate for some other reason.

The kinds of foods that provide fat for the ketogenic diet are butter, heavy whipping cream, mayonnaise, and oils (e.g., canola or olive).Because the amount of carbohydrate and protein in the diet have to be restricted, it is very important to prepare meals carefully.No other sources of carbohydrates can be eaten.The ketogenic diet is supervised by

a dietician who monitors the child’s nutrition and can teach parents and the child what can and cannot be eatena neurologist who monitors medications and overall benefits

Typically the diet is started in the hospital. The child traditionally begins by fasting (except for water) under close medical supervision for 18-24 hours. The diet is then started, either by slowly increasing the calories or the ratio. (This is the typical Johns Hopkins Hospital protocol.)There is growing evidence that fasting is probably not necessary for long-term efficacy, although it does lead to a quicker onset of ketosis. Most centers today do NOT start with a fasting period.The primary reason for admission in most centers is to monitor for any increase in seizures on the diet, ensure all medications are carbohydrate-free, and educate the families.

have shown that the ketogenic diet does reduce or prevent seizures in many children whose seizures could not be controlled by medications.

Over half of children who go on the diet have at least a 50% reduction in the number of their seizures.Some children, usually 10-15%, even become seizure-free.

Children who are on the ketogenic diet continue to take,Some are able to take smaller doses or fewer medicines than before they started the diet. This is usually attempted after 1 month on the diet.If the person goes off the diet for even one meal, it may lose its good effect. So it is very important to stick with the diet as prescribed.Being on a diet allows for a sense of control over seizures by a parent (or person living with epilepsy). Many families comment on this and the how their ability to cook helps their child.Most major pediatric hospitals (and countries) have – just ask!

A person starting the ketogenic diet may feel sluggish for a few days after the diet is started. This can worsen if a child is sick at the same time as the diet is started.Make sure to encourage carbohydrate-free fluids during illnesses.Other side effects that might occur if the person stays on the diet for a long time are

Kidney stonesHigh cholesterol levels in the bloodConstipationSlowed growthBone fractures

Because the diet does not provide all the vitamins and minerals found in a balanced diet, the dietician will recommend vitamin and mineral supplements. The most important of these are calcium and vitamin D (to prevent thinning of the bones), B Vitamins, and selenium.There are no anticonvulsants (seizure medicines) that should be stopped while on the diet. (Topamax) and (Zonegran) do not have a higher risk of kidney stones while on the diet, but zonisamide can increase the chance of stones.Medication levels do not likely change while on the diet according to recent studies.All medications should be in as carbohydrate/sugar-free a form as possible to avoid hidden sugars. Most liquids are changed by pharmacists to pills.

Early on, the doctor will usually see the child every 1 to 3 months.Blood and urine tests are performed to make sure there are no medical problems.The height and weight are measured to see if growth has slowed down.

If seizures have been well controlled for some time, usually 2 years, the doctor might suggest going off the diet.

Usually, the person is gradually taken off the diet over several months or even longer. Seizures may worsen if the ketogenic diet is stopped all at once.Children usually continue to take seizure medicines after they go off the diet.In many situations, the diet has led to significant, but not total, seizure control. Families may choose to remain on the ketogenic diet for many years in these situations.

Dietary Therapies Low Glycemic Index Treatment Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options. Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

Can epilepsy go away with age?

Explaining epilepsy – Listen to specialist Lily Wong-Kisiel, M.D., walk through the epilepsy basics. Mayo Clinic Explains Epilepsy Lily Wong-Kisiel, M.D., Pediatric Neurologist, Mayo Clinic: Hi, I’m Dr. Lily Wong-Kisiel, a pediatric neurologist at Mayo Clinic.

1. In this video, we’ll cover the basics of epilepsy.
2. What is it? Who gets it? The symptoms diagnosis and treatment.
3. Whether you’re looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, we’re here to give you the best information available.
4. First of all, epilepsy is common.
5. Around 3 million people in the U.S.

have epilepsy, making it the fourth most common neurological disease after migraine, stroke and Alzheimer’s. Epilepsy happens as a result of abnormal electrical brain activity, also known as a seizure, kind of like an electrical storm inside your head.

And because your brain controls so much, a lot of different things can go wrong. You may have periods of unusual behaviors, feelings and sometimes loss of awareness. There are many types of seizures, including two main categories: focal, meaning they start in a particular part of your brain, or generalized, meaning the seizures initially involve all areas of the brain.

There are some myths about epilepsy we can dismiss. If you are with someone experiencing a seizure, don’t put anything in their mouth. They can’t actually swallow their tongue. Don’t restrain them. And don’t worry, epilepsy isn’t contagious, so you can’t catch it.

Who gets it? Although children or older adults are more susceptible, anyone can develop epilepsy. When epilepsy is diagnosed in older adults, it’s sometimes from another neurological issue, like a stroke or a brain tumor. Other causes can be related to genetic abnormalities, prior brain infection, prenatal injuries or developmental disorders.

But in about half of people with epilepsy, there’s no apparent cause. What are the symptoms? Because they happen in the brain, seizures can affect any process your brain handles. Therefore, symptoms can vary. Many individuals with epilepsy tend to have the same type of seizure each time.

• However, some will have more than one type.
• So, how do you recognize a seizure? Keep an eye out for temporary confusion, a staring spell, uncontrollable jerking, loss of consciousness, fear, anxiety or deja vu.
• Let’s talk about the two types of seizures again: focal and generalized.
• Focal seizures happen one of two ways: without loss of awareness or with impaired awareness.

In those where you remain conscious, you may experience altered emotions or change in sensation like smell, sound or taste. You may also have dizziness, tingling or see flashing lights. You could also experience involuntary jerking of body parts like your arm or your leg.

When you lose or have altered awareness, you can pass out or stare into space and not really respond normally. Hand rubbing, chewing, swallowing or walking in circles can happen in this kind of seizure. Because these symptoms overlap with migraine or other neurological disorders, heart problems or psychiatric conditions, tests are needed for a diagnosis.

Generalized onset seizures, the ones that happen across all areas of the brain, show up in a variety of ways. Absence seizures are marked by staring absently into space. Blinking and lip smacking can also happen. Tonic seizures involve a stiffening of the back, arm and legs.

1. The opposite of tonic seizures are atonic seizures, which result in a loss of muscle control.
2. Instead of going stiff, everything goes slack.
3. Clonic seizures usually affect the neck, face and arms with repeated jerking movements.
4. Similar to clonic seizure, myoclonic seizures involve sudden brief jerks or twitches of the arms.

Lastly, there are tonic-clonic seizures. Like the name suggests, these involve parts of both tonic and clonic signs. Body stiffening and shaking, loss of bladder control or biting your tongue can also happen. Knowing the kind of seizure you have is key to treatment.

How is it diagnosed? Even after having a single seizure, sometimes the diagnosis of epilepsy can’t be made. Regardless, if you do have something that seems like a first-time seizure, see a physician. Your doctor may assess your motor abilities, mental function and other areas to diagnose your condition and determine if you have epilepsy.

They may also order additional diagnostic tests. They could include neurological exam, blood tests, EEG, CT scan, brain imaging and sometimes neuropsychological tests. Because your brain is such a complicated piece of machinery, neurologists, epileptologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, mental health specialists, and other professionals all work together to provide exactly the care you need.

How is it treated? The best care starts with an accurate diagnosis. The medications we have for epilepsy are incredibly effective. More than half of the cases are seizure-free after their first medication. But when medication does not work at stopping seizures completely, there are other emerging ways of treating epilepsy, including surgery and brain stimulation.

And a comprehensive level 4 epilepsy center can help find you the best way to manage your care. For patients undergoing treatment, it’s important to keep a detailed seizure journal. Each time you have a seizure, write down the time, the type and how long it lasted, making note of anything out of the ordinary, like missed medication, sleep deprivation, increased stress, menstruation, or anything else that could trigger it.

1. What now? Though we don’t always know why people suffer from epilepsy, ongoing research continues to build our knowledge and improve treatment options.
2. And better treatment means happier patients.
3. If you’d like to learn even more about epilepsy, watch our other related videos or visit mayoclinic.org.
4. We wish you well.

Epilepsy — also known as a seizure disorder — is a brain disorder that causes recurring seizures. There are many types of epilepsy. In some people, the cause can be identified. In others, the cause isn’t known. Epilepsy is common. It’s estimated that 1 in 26 people develops the disorder, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Epilepsy affects people of all genders, races, ethnic backgrounds and ages. Seizure symptoms can vary widely. Some people may lose awareness during a seizure but others don’t. Some people stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure. Others may repeatedly twitch their arms or legs, movements known as convulsions or spasms.

Having a single seizure doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed if you’ve had at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. Unprovoked seizures don’t have a clear cause. Treatment with medicines or sometimes surgery can control seizures for most people with epilepsy.

Will I have epilepsy for life?

Health and Safety Concerns –

Are there special concerns for women who have epilepsy?

Women who have epilepsy face special challenges. Hormonal changes can cause some women with epilepsy to have more seizures during their period. For women with epilepsy, there are also special concerns about pregnancy, because having a seizure and taking certain drugs during pregnancy may increase the risk of harm to the baby.

• • • If you are a woman with epilepsy who plans to get pregnant, talk with your health team about how to best care for yourself and your baby.
    • Learn more about issues facing women with epilepsy and how to improve health on the Epilepsy Foundation’s website, Women and Epilepsy,

Can a person die from epilepsy?

Most people with epilepsy live a full life. However, the risk of early death is higher for some. We know that the best possible seizure control and living safely can reduce the risk of epilepsy-related death. Factors that increase the risk of early death include:

• • • More serious health problems, such as a stroke or a tumor. These conditions carry an increased risk of death and may cause seizures.
    • Falls or other injuries that happen because of seizures. These injuries can be life-threatening.
    • Seizures that last over 5 minutes. This is a condition called status epilepticus, Status epilepticus can sometimes happen when a person suddenly stops taking seizure medication.

Rarely, people with epilepsy can experience s udden u nexpected d eath in ep ilepsy (SUDEP). SUDEP is not well understood and experts don’t know what causes it, but they suspect that it is sometimes due to a change in heart beats (rhythm) during a seizure.

If I have epilepsy, can I still drive a car?

Most states and the District of Columbia will not issue a driver’s license to someone with epilepsy unless that person provides documentation that he or she has not had a seizure for a specific amount of time. The seizure-free period ranges from a few months to over a year, depending on the state.

• • • Don’t distract the person from driving.
    • Happen only during sleep. These are called nocturnal seizures.
    • Have warning signs that alert the person that a seizure might happen. Sometimes a person feels strange before a seizure. This is called an aura.

Learn state-specific information about driving laws from the Epilepsy Foundation.

If I have epilepsy, can I exercise and play sports?

Sometimes people with epilepsy worry that exercise or sports may worsen their seizures. Exercise is rarely a “trigger” for seizure activity. In fact, regular exercise may improve seizure control. Safely playing sports can also be great for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Can epilepsy fade away?

Will You Always Have Seizures? About 6 out of 10 people diagnosed with epilepsy can become seizure free within a few years with proper treatment. Many of these people will never have any more seizures. For the rest of the people, some will have occasional breakthrough seizures or side effects of medicines and others will have uncontrolled seizures.

About 50 to 60% (5 to 6 out of every 10 people) will be seizure free after using the first seizure medication tried. (,, )A second seizure medication may help 11 to 20 out of every 100 people become seizure free. Adding more drugs usually doesn’t help the chance of seizure control.25 out of every 100 adults will develop uncontrolled epilepsy. ()Others will have continued seizures and side effects, but we don’t know if other treatments may help.In children with new-onset seizures, 74 out of 100 become seizure free within 2 years. ()Uncontrolled epilepsy may be seen in 9 out of 100 children followed for a number of years. ()

About 60 to 70 out of 100 people may get control of seizures after a number of years, but we don’t know if this means complete control of both seizures and side effects.At least 30 out of 100 people with epilepsy at any point in time have uncontrolled seizures.Up to 50 out of 100 people with epilepsy report bothersome side effects of seizure medications. ()

Having a positive response to the first 1 or 2 seizure medications tried. A positive response means that seizures do not recur and the person is seizure free.No known history of brain injury or abnormalityA normal neurological exam and EEGNo family history of epilepsyHaving an unknown cause of epilepsy

If seizures go away, you may be able to, with your doctor’s advice, if you have been seizure free for 2 to 5 years. There are a number of issues to think about before slowly stopping your seizure medications. For example,

Do you drive a car and what is the risk of driving if you have another seizure?What type of work do you do? Would you be at risk of injury coming off of medicine?Are you ready and willing to make changes in your medicines?

The length of time a person is seizure free before stopping medicine depends on many issues.

The longer the time a person is seizure free on medications, the better chance of coming off medicines.More than 50 out of 100 children outgrow their epilepsy. Twenty years after the diagnosis, 75 out of 100 people will have been seizure free for at least 5 years, although some may still need to take daily medication.People who have and become seizure free may be able to come off seizure medicine. However, some people may need to stay on their medication to prevent seizures from coming back, even after surgery.

If you continue to have seizures while taking seizure medications, ask the following questions.

Is your correct? Sometimes people are diagnosed with seizures but they may not be caused by electrical discharges or storms in the brain. If your diagnosis isn’t clear, it’s time to find out what is going on.Do you know what you have? Some medicines work best for specific types of seizures. If you and your doctor don’t know what type of seizures you have, testing — called (electroencephalograph) — can record you having a seizure and determine its type. This information will help the doctor choose the best medicine to use.Can you tolerate the medicine’s ? Sometimes a medicine’s side effects make it hard to take a drug at the right dose. People may feel too sleepy, confused, have memory problems, or feel uncoordinated or unsteady walking when the dose is raised. Other side effects may occur that don’t agree with a person but are not related to the dose of the medicine. Finding the right medicine to control seizures means finding one that also doesn’t cause bothersome side effects.Can you afford the medicine? Is it available? Many practical issues, such as the cost of medicine and if it‘s available are the first things to consider before deciding if a drug works. A drug can’t work if you can’t take it regularly.Do you know how to take the medicine and can you t? Medicines work only when they can be taken on a regular basis. Knowing if a person has had a good trial with a medicine depends on whether or not the person understood how to take it and was able to do it.You should see an to evaluate your seizures and treatment if

You have tried at least 2 seizure medications that are the right kind for your seizure type.If the seizure medications were tried for a long enough time at the right doses.If you were able to take the medicines regularly.If bothersome side effects limit your ability to stay on the medicines.

What Are the Risk Factors of Seizures? Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options. Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

What does God say about epilepsy?

Epilepsy in the bible – If proof were needed of the divine relationship with epilepsy, the Bible contains many references in the New Testament to the power of God over illness and adversity and of Jesus healing the sick. In particular there are some quite specific references to epilepsy, such as Matthew 4:24,

Arguably the most famous epilepsy healing reference in the Bible can be found in Mark 9:17-27 ; Matthew 17:14-18 and Luke 9:37-43 which all describe Jesus healing the boy with epilepsy by driving out an evil spirit. Then there is the description in Acts 9:3-9 where St Paul, or Saul as he was known before his conversion to Christianity, is reported to experience what many believe to be an epileptic seizure on his way to Damascus; falling to the ground, hearing God and losing his sight for three days.

That this was an epileptic seizure is given even more credence by the fact that sight impediment – including temporary blindness lasting from several hours to several days – has actually been observed as a symptom or a result of an epileptic seizure.

1. St Paul himself perhaps provides further evidence of his epilepsy when he talks about his “physical ailment” in his letters; ( 2 Corinthians 12:7 and in Galatians 4:13-14 ).
2. This connection between Saint Paul and epilepsy was so strongly perceived that in old Ireland, for example, epilepsy was sometimes known as ‘Saint Paul’s disease’.

Even with God’s power established as the cure for epilepsy, few Middle Age Christians would dare to approach Him directly. Instead, they would turn to the Saints of the church to intercede on their behalf and ask God for His help. The more serious and dangerous the illness or disease, the greater the number of patron saints that were responsible for it.

Should I date a girl with epilepsy?

Dating a woman with epilepsy is no different to dating anyone else. However it may affect certain things: Could affect certain types of birth control and contraception by making them less effective. Certain hormones may affect their seizures.

What makes epilepsy worse?

Triggers can differ from person to person, but common triggers include tiredness and lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking medication. For some people, if they know what triggers their seizures, they may be able to avoid these triggers and so lessen the chances of having a seizure.

Is milk good for epilepsy?

Abstract – Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder which occurs as a result of a spontaneous electrical discharge in the brain. According to recent studies there might be a relationship between specific diet and seizure occurrence. Casein is an important protein of milk which often causes hypersensitivity.

It seems the release of inflammatory cytokines during the process of immune system response alter the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) integrity and lead to neuronal inflammation which could constitute on epileptogenic focus. On the other hand, several studies represent full-fat milk or higher fat dairy products as an effective anti-inflammatory factor which elevate seizure threshold.

The aim of present study was investigation of acute and chronic effects of dairy products including dough (a yogurt-based beverage), cheese, low and high fat yogurt and milk on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures or electroshock in mice. The results of study indicated that lower fat dairy products reduced seizure threshold in intravenous PTZ-induced seizure as well as reduction in myoclonic and clonic jerk latencies in intraperitoneal PTZ-induced seizure.

What vitamins are good for epilepsy?

Abstract – This article reviews research on the use of diet, nutritional supplements, and hormones in the treatment of epilepsy. Potentially beneficial dietary interventions include identifying and treating blood glucose dysregulation, identifying and avoiding allergenic foods, and avoiding suspected triggering agents such as alcohol, aspartame, and monosodium glutamate.

• The ketogenic diet may be considered for severe, treatment-resistant cases.
• The Atkins diet (very low in carbohydrates) is a less restrictive type of ketogenic diet that may be effective in some cases.
• Nutrients that may reduce seizure frequency include vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese, taurine, dimethylglycine, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Administration of thiamine may improve cognitive function in patients with epilepsy. Supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6, biotin, vitamin D, and L-carnitine may be needed to prevent or treat deficiencies resulting from the use of anticonvulsant drugs.

Vitamin K1 has been recommended near the end of pregnancy for women taking anticonvulsants. Melatonin may reduce seizure frequency in some cases, and progesterone may be useful for women with cyclic exacerbations of seizures. In most cases, nutritional therapy is not a substitute for anticonvulsant medications.

However, in selected cases, depending on the effectiveness of the interventions, dosage reductions or discontinuation of medications may be possible.

Can drinking water prevent seizures?

Epilepsy and alcohol – do they mix? – Drinking alcohol is a personal choice, but for some people with epilepsy, alcohol makes their seizures worse. Having epilepsy doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a drink, but it is important to be careful with alcohol for the following reasons:

Alcohol disrupts your sleep. Seizures can be triggered by tiredness for many people, so poor sleep makes seizures more likely to happen. Drinking alcohol can trigger seizures for some people; not always while they’re actually drinking. Often it’s later during a hangover, when the alcohol level in the body is falling, that seizures happen. Drinking water in between alcoholic drinks can help reduce the chances of a hangover, but will not prevent seizures from occurring. Vomiting (being sick) may reduce the level of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) in your system, so they may not work so well to control your seizures. AEDs can increase the the effects of alcohol and alcohol can make some of the side effects of AEDs worse. The information leaflet that comes with your drugs should say if alcohol is not recommended. You could ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Which pranayama is best for epilepsy?

Control Seizure disorder with Pranayama Yoga-based breathing techniques are thousands of years old practices. Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, referred to as Alternate Nostril Breathing, can have a positive life-changing impact on the nervous system. Pranayam is a simple and effective practice people can use to clear the mind and calm inner self.

Centuries-old written and oral documents have mentioned that it is possible to Control seizure disorder with pranayam. The Nadi Shodhana Pranayama is an elixir for mental peace and self-control. Inhalation and exhalation happen automatically for everyone. It is a self-propelled process. Our body has nine openings for transmitting the senses with and doing the actual work.

But out of the nine, the nose is the central opening through which we get breathing. If the breathing process is regularized, it can help reduce the fits that one gets due to fear, insecurity, misunderstandings, or mental problems.

Which massage is best for epilepsy?

All good therapists will begin your session by asking about contraindications (like any medical condition which might restrict a massage or halt it completely). For many of us, that might mean going easy over a bruise or adapting a session to accommodate the impending patter of tiny feet, there are some conditions which are a little bit more complicated to work around.

Epilepsy, is one of them, A condition that affects the brain might not seem like a reason to lay off the hot stones, but it might be best for sufferers to check in with their GP before booking in for an appointment. Informing your therapist is also essential when you have a neurological disorder – just to be on the safe side.

According to the Equality Act of England, Scotland and Wales and the Disability Discrimination Act of Northern Ireland, people with epilepsy should enjoy the same access to beauty therapies as a person without it. But letting the therapist know will allow them to decide on the best and safest way to deliver your treatment.

Massage promotes wellbeing and reduces stress for people with epilepsy and can be used alongside any epilepsy medications they are taking,” explains Nicola Swanborough of the Epilepsy Society, “Where seizures are triggered by stress, a massage that helps to reduce stress may, for some people, also help reduce seizures.

Massage is often used to reduce tension and pain in muscles and help with poor sleep patterns, which are common among people with epilepsy.” So what type of massage should you go for if you have epilepsy? ” It very much depends on the type of seizures that an individual suffers from however in a subject who suffers from tonic-clonic seizures it is beneficial to work on the body and limbs due to the contraction of these areas during their seizures,” explains massage therapist Dianne.

Hot stone and grounding head massages are known to be generally safe but energy work to the head should always be avoided. Reflexology can be deeply relaxing for some people, so it could be of great use to those whose epilepsy is triggered by stress. However care needs to be taken as over-stimulation may trigger an attack.

Our advice? Always opt for a practitioner who understands epilepsy – and mention it when you book. Anything else you should be wary of? “Certain essential oils such as fennel, rosemary and sage, should be avoided as they are known to increase the risk of seizures,” says Louise Cousins, spokesperson for Epilepsy Action.

1. Make sure your therapist is a qualified aromatherapist with the knowledge of which oils to avoid and alternatives to go for – ylang ylang, chamomile and lavender have a relaxing and calming effect, which could ward off a seizure too.
2. Just one more thing: if you’re following a ketogenic diet to improve epilepsy symptoms let your therapist know.

Weakness, dizziness, sleepiness and diarrhoea are all side effects that may mean the practitioner will want to adapt the session slightly to make you feel more comfortable and reap the best results. The most important factor? Each person and their epilepsy should be considered individually.

1. Nowledge is power, tell your therapist before you begin and chat through any concerns.
2. Who are we? We’re Urban Massage – on a mission to make wellness rituals convenient and accessible without compromising on quality.
3. So, from just £49 an hour, you can enjoy a range of massages from an expert therapist at a time to suit you.

Download the app or go to urbanmassage.com to book 60 minutes of restorative me time.