The standard treatment for epilepsy is the use of tested antiepileptic drugs which have an evidence base to prove their worth.
There is no such base to prove that complementary therapies control seizures and so, if used, it is recommended that they should be used alongside antiepileptic drugs.
Needles are used to stimulate nerve endings with the aim to improve overall health and well being. While there is no evidence to show that it can positively affect seizure control there is also no evidence to show that it can do any harm.
Pure aromatic oils are used to promote an air of relaxation which can be beneficial to people with epilepsy. The therapy should only be given by an experienced and qualified aromatherapist because some oils can actually provoke seizures.
There are Chinese herbal medicines and general herbal medicines which are used to treat the whole person for health wellbeing and there is no evidence from research that indicates herbal remedies have value in treating epilepsy.
Unfortunately, some herbal medicines can interact with antiepileptic drugs and trigger seizures rather than control them. It is highly advisable that herbal remedies are not used without prior consultation with your doctor.
Yoga is believed to eliminate stress and promote relaxation and so, on the face of it, might be useful for people with epilepsy where stress is a major trigger for seizures. There is no strong evidence base to suggest that yoga should be used to treat epilepsy.
Drugs prescribed by doctors for the treatment of epilepsy do not offer a cure for the condition but a means for controlling seizures.
Certain geometric patterns, flashing and flickering lights can provoke some people towards having seizures.
Misinformation can lead to prejudices towards epilepsy sufferers, so we have put together a list of facts to debunk those myths.