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AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR EPILEPSY IN KERALA

Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital in Kochi, Kerala, specializes in the holistic treatment of epilepsy, referred to as Apasmara in Ayurveda. Their neurodevelopmental team, comprising Ayurvedic pediatricians, diet consultants, yoga and naturopathic experts, panchakarma specialists, physiotherapists, and trained child care therapists, implements a comprehensive management plan. The approach includes herbal medications, panchakarma therapies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications to balance the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) and alleviate seizures. The treatments involve internal and external applications of medicated oils, herbal powders, and herbal drinks.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF AYURVEDIC EPILEPSY

  1. Convulsions
  2. Staring spells, unresponsiveness
  3. Temporary confusion
  4. Loss of consciousness or awareness
  5. Strange feelings, sensations, movements
  6. Falling down without losing consciousness
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CAUSES OF EPILEPSY IN CHILDREN

There are a number of potential causes of epilepsy in children. Some of the most common include genetics, brain injury or abnormal development, and infections.

  1. Genetics is often a significant factor, as around 30-40% of childhood epilepsy cases have a genetic component. Certain genetic mutations or conditions can make a child more susceptible to developing epilepsy. This includes conditions like tuberous sclerosis, which affects brain development, and can cause seizures.
  2. Brain injuries, either before or after birth, are another common cause. Things like traumatic brain injuries, lack of oxygen during birth, or infections of the brain and meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain) in infancy can damage brain cells and wiring. This damage can then trigger seizures later on.
  3. Abnormal brain development can also be a risk factor. Conditions that affect how the brain forms during pregnancy, like congenital malformations, can disrupt brain function and cause epilepsy.
  4. Certain infections, especially in early childhood, can increase epilepsy risk. Viral infections like chickenpox, influenza, and herpes encephalitis can all potentially trigger seizures or epilepsy in some children by irritating brain cells.

TYPES OF EPILEPSY
IN CHILDREN

There are several main types of epilepsy that can affect children. The two broad categories are generalized epilepsy and focal epilepsy.

01

Generalized Epilepsy

Generalized epilepsy means the seizures involve both sides of the brain. The main types are absence seizures (formerly called petit mal), tonic-clonic seizures (formerly called grand mal), myoclonic seizures, and atonic seizures.

02

Focal Epilepsy

Focal epilepsy means the seizures originate in one specific area of the brain. This includes simple partial seizures and complex partial seizures.

HOW AYURVEDA
CAN TREAT EPILEPSY

  1. Ayurveda considers epilepsy or Apasmara as a Vata disorder caused due to imbalance in Vata dosha. The imbalance in Vata leads to disturbances in the nervous system and disrupts the normal electrical signals in the brain which causes epileptic fits and seizures. Ayurveda aims to manage epilepsy in children through correcting the vitiated Vata dosha and strengthening the nervous system.
  2. Pancha karma or the fivefold detoxification therapies play an important role in controlling epilepsy in children. Vamana or therapeutic vomiting helps to eliminate the toxins accumulated in the blood and tissues. Virechana or purgation therapy through herbal laxatives helps to eliminate the excess Kapha and cleanse the colon. Nasya or nasal administration of medicated oils and herbal drops help to pacify Vata dosha and relieve seizures. Basti or medicated enema therapy is extremely beneficial in children with epilepsy as it calms down the nervous system and controls the frequency of fits. Shirodhara or pouring of warm herbalized oil on the forehead also helps to pacify Vata and relieve stress.
  3. Along with panchakarma, ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Kalmegh are prescribed to strengthen the nervous system. A proper diet and lifestyle that avoids foods that aggravate Vata like cold, dry, and frozen foods also aids in managing epilepsy in children.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Can epilepsy be cured with Ayurveda?

Pancha karma or the fivefold detoxification therapies play an important role in controlling epilepsy in children. Vamana or therapeutic vomiting helps to eliminate the toxins accumulated in the blood and tissues. Virechana or purgation therapy through herbal laxatives helps to eliminate the excess Kapha and cleanse the colon. Nasya or nasal administration of medicated oils and herbal drops help to pacify Vata dosha and relieve seizures. Basti or medicated enema therapy is extremely beneficial in children with epilepsy as it calms down the nervous system and controls the frequency of fits. Shirodhara or pouring of warm herbalized oil on the forehead also helps to pacify Vata and relieve stress.
Along with panchakarma, ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Kalmegh are prescribed to strengthen the nervous system. A proper diet and lifestyle that avoids foods that aggravate Vata like cold, dry, and frozen foods also aids in managing epilepsy in children.

What triggers seizures in people with epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children characterized by recurrent seizures. While epilepsy itself cannot be prevented, identifying and addressing potential risk factors may help reduce the chances of a child developing epilepsy. Some common risk factors for epilepsy in children include:

• Family history. Children are more likely to develop epilepsy if a parent or sibling also has it. Genetic factors play an important role.

• Brain damage. Conditions that damage brain tissue like trauma, tumors, strokes, infections and lack of oxygen can make epilepsy more likely. Premature birth and low birth weight also raise the risk.

• Developmental problems. Children with autism, cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities have a higher risk of epilepsy.

• Metabolic disorders. Inborn errors of metabolism like phenylketonuria increase the risk of epilepsy in children.

What are the complications of epilepsy

Once epilepsy develops, children can face several potential complications. Seizures themselves pose the most obvious risk of injury, but other issues can arise as well. Some common complications include:

• Learning and behavioral problems. Children with epilepsy often have lower IQ scores and more behavioral challenges at school. The effects are usually proportional to seizure frequency and severity.

• Developmental delays. Motor, speech and social skills may lag behind in children with poorly controlled epilepsy.

• Injury. Falls during seizures can cause fractures, concussions and other trauma. Children may also injure themselves on sharp objects.

• Social stigma. Epilepsy still carries a negative social stigma for some children, impacting their self-esteem and social development.

With proper diagnosis, medication and lifestyle management, many children with epilepsy can minimize risks and complications. Early intervention and treatment can also help prevent further brain damage that could worsen the condition long-term

How does epilepsy affect daily life?

Epilepsy can have a significant impact on daily life. Individuals with epilepsy experience recurrent seizures that are caused by sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can range from mild to severe and may involve loss of consciousness or uncontrolled movements. Epileptic seizures are unpredictable and can happen at any time. This can make it difficult for people with epilepsy to drive, work certain jobs, and participate in some activities

Is epilepsy hereditary?

Epilepsy is not directly hereditary, but some forms of epilepsy do seem to run in families. Having a close family member with epilepsy does increase your risk. However, epilepsy can develop due to other factors like brain injury, stroke, infection, tumors, and developmental disorders. Genetic mutations in ion channel proteins have been linked to familial forms of epilepsy. But for most people with epilepsy, the exact cause is still unknown.

In summary, while epilepsy does not completely prevent people from living full and productive lives, it often requires adjustments and management of the condition on a daily basis. With proper treatment and lifestyle modifications, many individuals with epilepsy are able to minimize seizures and live normal lives.

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