Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures that are caused by abnormal cerebral nerve cell activity.
There are several types of seizures classified as partial seizures and generalized seizures. There are several subtypes of each.
Partial Seizures: The site of origin is a localized or discreet area in one hemisphere of the brain. The two most common types of partial seizure are simple partial and complex partial.
Simple Partial—These produce symptoms associated with the area of abnormal neural activity in the brain: motor signs, sensory symptoms, autonomic signs and symptoms (involuntary activity controlled by autonomic nervous system), and psychic symptoms (altered states of consciousness). There is no impairment of consciousness in simple partial seizures.
Complex Partial—Impairment of consciousness, characteristic of complex partial seizures (CPS), results in the inability to respond to or carry out simple commands or to execute willed movement, and a lack of awareness of one’s surroundings and events. Automatisms may occur, such as coordinated, involuntary motor activity (e.g., lip smacking, picking, patting, chewing, and swallowing). A simple complex seizure may begin as a simple partial seizure.
Generalized Seizures At the onset, seizure activity occurs simultaneously in large areas of the brain, often in both hemispheres. Seizures can be convulsive or non-convulsive. The two most common types are tonic-clonic and absence.
Tonic-clonic (sometimes referred to as grand mal seizures) —there is loss of consciousness during the seizure. The tonic phase, consisting of increased muscle tone (rigidity), is followed by the clonic phase, which involves jerking of the extremities.
Absence (in the past, sometimes referred to as petit mal seizures) —This type occurs most often in children, usually beginning between the ages of 5 and 12 years and often stopping spontaneously in the teens.
The loss of consciousness is so brief that the child usually does not even change position. Most absence seizures last 10 seconds or less. The person usually lacks awareness of what occurs during the seizure.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can prevent seizure activity by altering neurotransmitter activity in nerve cells, but cannot correct the underlying condition. Approximately 70% of patients successfully control seizures with medications
If attempting to treat Epilepsy naturally it is important to realise that it is not a good idea to simply stop orthodox medication in order to try ‘something’ else. The following can be used safely along-side medication and can will further support the nervous system.
Magnesium: Epileptics have been shown to have markedly lower than magnesium levels than normal. A lack of magnesium even in normal people will cause spasms.
Taurine: has known to be helpful in reducing seizures.
Up-dated Dec 2016