If you’ve been recently diagnosed with a seizure disorder (usually referred to as epilepsy), chances are that you’re still reeling from the diagnosis and haven’t had much time to think about treatment. You’re not alone.
Common questions
Now that you’re adjusting to the diagnosis, you’ve got some questions. You may be wondering whether you’ll need to stay on medication forever. Or do you even need to take medicine? If you don’t take your daily dosage, will a seizure happen again? What if you miss a dose? Be sure to write everything down, and bring your list to your next doctor’s visit.
Traditional approaches
The first few weeks and months following your diagnosis may be blurry at first, especially if you were handed a prescription for a traditional medicine. Some of the most common drugs prescribed:
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Felbamate (Felbatol)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Topiramate (Topamax)
Some of the more common side effects from these drugs include dizziness, sleepiness, difficulty with concentration, memory problems, and poor motor performance. Fortunately, most of these effects fade within 2 to 3 weeks.
Natural approaches
If you’re interested in taking a non-traditional approach to treating your epilepsy, there are wonderful resources to support you on your journey. Patricia A. Murphy’s book, Treating Epilepsy Naturally, provides a comprehensive look at natural solutions to treating your condition. Her suggestions have helped people to eliminate traditional medicines and live seizure free. But it means making some changes.
Changing Your Diet
One of the first things you’ll need to consider changing if you’re hoping to be drug free is to remove some of the “no-no’s” that contribute to seizures:
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Alcohol
If you’re reading this during the holiday season, you’re probably wondering how you can possibly pass up your favorite eggnog frappucino. The tough news is that these are all foods that can stimulate a seizure response in the brain. But sometimes, knowing that may not make a difference, right?
Don’t worry…it’s OK to start slowly. Under your doctor’s care (or preferably a holistic or alternative therapy-minded neurologist), consider adding the following supplements to your diet:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin C
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
Anti-convulsants like those you may have been prescribed may deplete your body of these essential vitamins, and some vitamins may even help to reduce your risk of seizures. Take this list to your doctor and begin the conversation about alternative therapies.
Taking Care
The good news is that your epilepsy diagnosis doesn’t mean that life as you knew it is over. On the contrary, consider this a wake-up call that it’s time to give yourself the care you deserve.
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