OVERVIEW
Seizures are a manifestation of too much excitation in the neural activity of the brain. The general rule for treating seizures, then, is to calm the excitation. Anticonvulsants, for example, are designed to calm activity by acting on the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, by reducing excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamates, or by acting on the cell-channels through which neurotransmitters can act on neurons. Apart from medications, this calming can be achieved in many ways. We are aware that the categories below intersect: your mind can affect your body, and what you do or eat can affect your mind.
THE MIND/BODY ROUTE
Since seizures arise in your brain, if you can change your brain structure and function, you may be able to improve seizure control.
Neurobehavioral Treatment
Thoughts and moods often serve as triggers for seizures, if one’s distress is great enough. Dr. Peter Fenwick, a neurologist from London, England, studies the relationship between lifestyle, life events, and seizures. He has shown not only that people under stress can induce seizures, but also that most people have strategies they use to stop seizures. What’s more, these strategies can be learned. The program of the Andrews-Reiter team from California is founded on similar premises. They advocate epilepsy counselling to help identify seizure triggers and learn to channel negative emotion productively, and to use interventions to circumvent seizures. Breathing, meditation, relaxation, sensory stimulation, positive thoughts and neurofeedback can all be employed for positive results. Dr. Fenwick can be reached at peter_fenwick@compuserve.com. Drs. Andrews and Reiter can be reached at (707) 578-8985, or www.andrewsreiter.org.
Hypnosis
Forget the popular image. According to Dr. Tim Betts, a neurologist from the University of Birmingham, England, hypnosis can assist in the treatment of epilepsy. Dr. Betts uses hypnosis to induce intense relaxation and concentration, so that the mind becomes detached from everyday concerns. In this state, the subconscious is best able to respond creatively to the hypnotist’s suggestions, and focus on aspects of the person’s life where change is desired. Dr. Betts can be reached at t.a.betts@bham.ac.uk.
Aromatherapy
Flowers, plants and their essences are used for healing and relaxation, and affect one’s entire being—mind, body and spirit. Aromatherapy can have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Despite his initial skepticism, Dr. Betts has discovered that some of his patients achieved remarkable seizure control using this technique. In fact, some are seizure and medication free. He says that aromatherapy used together with massage and hypnosis, can have dramatic results, particularly in people with prolonged auras and identifiable triggers. Dr. Betts can be reached at t.a.betts@bham.ac.uk.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
An old idea recently revived, this approach applies a magnetic coil to the skull’s surface, to restore the brain’s inhibitory/excitatory balance. Experimental studies suggest it can increase the brain’s inhibitory pathways, and may influence depressive states as well. It is non-invasive, produces very few side effects, and is easy to use. However, it can be harmful for those with pacemakers, or metal objects inside the eye or skull, and is not advisable in pregnancy. Dr. Michael Trimble, Professor of Behavioral Neurology, London, is currently investigating both biofeedback and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation as treatments in epilepsy, with promising initial results. Dr. Trimble can be reached at m.trimble@ion.ucl.ac.uk.
Neurofeedback
Evidence strongly suggests that brains can be trained to control seizures. By using the EEG as a tool to map the frequencies the brain produces, and applying basic learning principles, both children and adults can be taught to retrain brain circuitry to raise seizure thresholds and reduce seizure activity. Results can take up to six months or longer, but once achieved, can be permanent. Neurotherapy for epilepsy is becoming more widely available, but be sure to find licensed practitioners. Dr. M. Barry Sterman, who did pioneering research in this field, and practices in Los Angeles, can be reached at msterman@ucla.edu.
More from the conference
