| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Epilepsy Information
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that occurs when there is excessive electrical impulses in the brain. These temporary malfunctions of the brains electrical pulses result in seizures.
There are seven distinct types of seizures:
Absence seizures, also known as petit mal, are characterized by a blank stare that lasts approximately 30 seconds. During an absence seizure, the person is unaware of this surroundings and appears as if daydreaming, except he cannot be aroused by touch or talking. This is the most common type of seizure found in epileptic children and teenagers. Atonic seizures, also called drop attacks, cause the person to lose consciousness for about 10 seconds and drops to the floor. Complex partial seizures are characterized by a blank stare, random activity and a chewing mouth motion while the person appears dazed and unaware of his surroundings. This type of seizure is often preceded by an aura of a peculiar odor, odd sound or butterflies in the stomach. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal, are characterized by jerking muscles, a sudden cry, shallow breathing, falling and loss of skin tone. Loss of bladder control can also occur. This type of seizure usually lasts two to five minutes and is followed by memory loss, fatigue and confusion. Myoclonic seizures involve brief, massive muscle jerking. Simple partial (Jacksonian) seizures start with jerking in the fingers and toes and progress up through the entire body; however, the person does not lose consciousness. Simple partial (sensory) seizures cause a person to see, hear or sense things that do not exist. This type of seizure may occur as a precursor to a generalized seizure. The seizures associated with epilepsy do not permanently damage the brain, but they be very disruptive to everyday life. More than 2 million Americans suffer from epilepsy; seventy-five percent of epileptic seizures begin in childhood.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Epilepsy
The specific cause of epilepsy is not known, but some cases are the result of another condition, such as brain tumor, head injury, stroke or brain infection.
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The most common symptom of epilepsy is recurrent seizures that occur with no warning and no apparent reason. In some cases, seizures can triggered by a wide range of stimuli, including flashing lights; exposure to an allergen; drug or alcohol withdrawal; fever; hunger; hypoglycemia; infection; lack of sleep; nutritional imbalances or trauma.
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Since the exact cause of most cases of epilepsy is not known, it is not possible to prevent it; however, because head injury can lead to epilepsy, it is advised that all people wear seatbelts when traveling by car and a helmet when riding a motorcycle, bicycle, skateboard, horse or rollerblades. It is important to follow a doctor-prescribed treatment plan to control seizures caused by epilepsy. Know the triggers for seizures and avoid exposure to these triggers. Avoid alcoholic beverages, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, nicotine and sage. Get regular exercise to improve circulation to the brain. Anyone who witnesses a person having an epileptic seizure should not restrain the person or put anything in his mouth. Help the person sit or lie down to avoid a serious fall and do not panic. If the person is very young or has repeated seizures, call for medical help immediately.
- - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Taurine and Sulfur help stabilize the excitability of membranes, which is very important in the control of epileptic seizures.
MSM is a naturally occurring organic source of nutritional sulfur with multiple functions in the body. It is found in all living organisms and is present in our body fluids and tissues.
Gama-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) decreases neuron activity and inhibits nerve cells from overfiring. Taken with Niacinamide and Inositol, GABA prevents anxiety- and stress-related messages from reaching the motor centers of the brain by occupying the receptor sites.
DMG is a powerful antioxidant that increases oxygenation of tissues.
L-Carnitine delivers essential fatty acids to the cells.
L-Tyrosine is important for proper brain function.
Magnesium calms the nervous system and muscle spasms.
Vitamin B Complex is important in the functioning of the central nervous system.
Calcium is important in normal nerve impulse transmission.
Zinc protects the brain cells.
Black Cohosh, Hyssop and Lobelia aid in controlling the central nervous system and have a calming effect.
REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - -
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