Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Individuals with Epilepsy


Book Description

Individuals with epilepsy manage the clinical manifestations of the condition, primarily seizure-related activity, with daily use of pharmacologic agents, making it one of the most common neurological conditions treated with drug therapy for symptom management. Pharmacologic agents for epilepsy, also known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), are commonly prescribed to treat seizures and neurologic conditions associated with epilepsy but can lead to a reduced quality of life and many unwanted side effects. Complementary and alternative treatments can also provide relief from seizures associated with epilepsy. The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the effectiveness of complementary and alternative treatments compared to pharmacological treatment for individuals with epilepsy. A literature review examining different alternative treatments, such as physical activity, medical cannabis, neurostimulation, and various diets, and their benefits on seizure reduction, seizure frequency, and the quality of life was conducted from various online databases. Research articles published from 2003 to 2020 that focused on the benefits of complementary and alternative therapies in controlling the clinical manifestations of epilepsy were included for synthesis. Results from 10 studies that used a complementary or alternative therapy as a treatment for epilepsy, alone or in combination with pharmacological therapy, were compared for effectiveness on clinical manifestations. Seventy percent of the studies analyzed show at least a fifty percent reduction in seizure frequency. The studies suggest that complementary and alternative therapies can be effective as monotherapy or as adjuvant agents for reducing seizure frequency, reducing seizure duration, and improving quality of life. Although benefits were found in each study, many studies were performed on animals or had small sample sizes, indicating the need for further research.




Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy


Book Description

Epilepsy is a difficult illness to control; up to 35% of patients do not respond fully to traditional medical treatments. For this reason, many sufferers choose to rely on or incorporate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into their treatment regimens. Written for physicians, knowledgeable laypersons, and other professionals, Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy bridges the worlds of traditional medicine and CAM to foster a broader perspective of healthcare for patients. The book respects cultural differences that may incorporate alternative medicine into a medical management program, and encourages patients to safely continue receiving necessary medical treatments. Wherever possible, scientific evidence supports the choice of treatment modalities, as well as the effectiveness of a combined traditional and CAM approach. Readers will find incisive discussions in sections on: Learning to Reduce Seizures Asian, Herbal and Homeopathic Therapies Nutritional Therapies Alternative Medical Therapies Oxygen Therapies Manipulation and Osteopathic Therapies Music, Art, and Pet Therapies From stress and epilepsy, to acupuncture, massage, craniosacral therapies, homeopathy, ketogenic diets, aromatherapy, hypnosis, and more, the book is all-inclusive and enlightening. Additional commentary by the editors provides a critical vantage point from which to interpret the data and viewpoints of the contributors, all experts in the therapies presented. This balanced, scientific approach will appeal to even those most skeptical of alternative therapies, making the book essential for every professional who seeks to provide the broadest range of effective patient care.




Alternative Therapies For Epilepsy


Book Description

"Written by three distinguished epileptologists with a long-standing interest in alternative therapies, this book provides an evidence-based consideration of the use of complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies in epilepsy care. Organized by problem, the authors review alternative approaches to epilepsy- related conditions to help physicians, healthcare professionals, CAM providers, and patients understand the options and safely integrate treatments that work into their regimens. The book begins with an overview of the therapies themselves, including herbal remedies, nutrition, alternative pharmacological therapies, physical treatments, and neurobehavioral approaches, and also discusses medication-related considerations and caveats. The next group of chapters covers CAM and preventive approaches to mitigating the effects of epilepsy and epilepsy therapies, such as drug toxicity and side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), seizures, enhancing cognitive function, issues for women (pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause), and managing anxiety and depression. The final part of the book focuses on quality of life and lifestyle modifications to reduce seizure risk, including techniques for stress reduction, sleep disturbances and aids to normalize, alcohol and recreational drugs, and environmental factors. Features of Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy Include: Evidence-based review of CAM therapies for epilepsy Problem-oriented, practical approach to integrating alternative treatments into traditional regimens for healthcare providers Written by distinguished epileptologists with broad clinical experience Addresses all aspects of health for persons with epilepsy (not just seizures) and offers practical suggestions for improving patient care and patient health "




Epilepsy: Complementary and Alternative Treatments


Book Description

Epilepsy, or seizure disorder, is widespread, affecting more than 350,000 in the UK, and an estimated three million approximately in the US. While anti-epileptic drugs have a major role preventing seizure activity, they may not be totally effective in achieving control, and there is a strong burgeoning interest in lifestyle measures and complementary therapies which may help. This book is intended to be a trusted source to help people with epilepsy make sense of the treatment choices, given that epilepsy is not a single condition and some treatments may work for some but not other forms of the condition. Each chapter includes information about the treatment, evidence, whether it will work for your type of epilepsy, and practical considerations.




A Guide to Evidence-based Integrative and Complementary Medicine


Book Description

A Concise Guide to Integrative and Complementary Medicine for Health Practitioners is a comprehensive textbook on the non-pharmacological treatments for common medical practice problems, with the support of current scientific evidence. Non-pharmacological approaches include advice for lifestyle and behavioural factors, mind-body medicine, stress management, dietary changes, exercise and sleep advice, nutritional and herbal medicine, acupuncture, complementary medicines and the role of sunshine that may impact on the treatment of the disease(s). Only proven therapies from current research are i




Alternative Therapies For Epilepsy


Book Description

Written by three distinguished epileptologists with a long-standing interest in alternative therapies, this book provides an evidence-based consideration of the use of complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies in epilepsy care. Organized by problem, the authors review alternative approaches to epilepsy- related conditions to help physicians, healthcare professionals, CAM providers, and patients understand the options and safely integrate treatments that work into their regimens. The book begins with an overview of the therapies themselves, including herbal remedies, nutrition, alternative pharmacological therapies, physical treatments, and neurobehavioral approaches, and also discusses medication-related considerations and caveats. The next group of chapters covers CAM and preventive approaches to mitigating the effects of epilepsy and epilepsy therapies, such as drug toxicity and side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), seizures, enhancing cognitive function, issues for women (pregnancy, breast feeding, menopause), and managing anxiety and depression. The final part of the book focuses on quality of life and lifestyle modifications to reduce seizure risk, including techniques for stress reduction, sleep disturbances and aids to normalize, alcohol and recreational drugs, and environmental factors. Features of Alternative Therapies for Epilepsy Include: Evidence-based review of CAM therapies for epilepsy Problem-oriented, practical approach to integrating alternative treatments into traditional regimens for healthcare providers Written by distinguished epileptologists with broad clinical experience Addresses all aspects of health for persons with epilepsy (not just seizures) and offers practical suggestions for improving patient care and patient health




The Treatment of Epilepsy


Book Description

A practical reference to the medical and surgicaltreatment of epilepsy The third edition of The Treatment of Epilepsy has beenthoroughly updated. It is a reference work, but has a strongpractical bias, and is designed to assist neurologists,neurosurgeons and other clinicians at all levels who are involvedin the treatment of patients with epilepsy. It is a definitivesource of clinical information to guide clinical practice andrational therapy. Written and edited by leading experts, many actively involvedwith the International League Against Epilepsy, this newedition: covers the recent advances in the principles and approaches toepilepsy therapy, the introduction of new drugs and the developmentof new surgical techniques contains 26 completely new chapters and 61 newcontributors includes pharmacological properties and prescribing informationfor all drugs used in the treatment of epilepsy features the important contribution of a new editor JeromeEngel Jr, Professor of Neurology at the University of CaliforniaSchool of Medicine in Los Angeles.




Evidence-based Management of Epilepsy


Book Description

The clinical management of patients with epilepsy and the associated medical literature are rapidly evolving. Evidence-based Management of Epilepsy differs from other epilepsy textbooks by focusing specifically on topics where the available evidence is sufficiently well developed to be synthesized into straightforward summaries of proven therapies. When evidence is missing or there is doubt, controversy or ambiguity, the distinguished authors offer treatment recommendations based on practice guidelines or consensus statements that span the gaps in evidence while pointing to those areas where further research is needed. The initial chapters cover critically important aspects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and surgical treatment such as when to start and stop AEDs, how to monitor their effectiveness, special considerations in women who become pregnant, and when to consider surgery to alleviate seizures. The following chapters cover the therapy of seizures when they develop after traumatic brain injury or stroke, and the treatment of concomitant depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy. The final chapters discuss emerging topics in epilepsy: the treatment of the postictal state, technologies to predict and detect seizures, strategies for closing the treatment gap and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. The contributors are renowned experts in their fields who successfully and succinctly present state-of-the-art reviews based on the medical evidence designed to help the clinician be as best informed as possible in the care of patients with epilepsy.




Pediatric Neuropsychiatry


Book Description

Adult neuropsychiatry is now a well-established field with numerous reputable references. Practitioners who work with children routinely note how references and practitioners knowledgeable in the equivalent work in the pediatric world are rare. Child psychiatrists and neurologists frequently work with individuals struggling with these conditions and would strongly benefit from such a reference that incorporates medical work-up, psychopharmacological recommendations, family/support recommendations and theoretical pathophysiology. Pediatricians and developmental pediatricians often treat children with behavioral and neuropsychiatric sequelae, but are not well-trained in the neuropsychiatric management of these cases. Neuropsychologists and educational psychologists working with children and adults with pediatric-onset conditions will also find the text helpful to contextualize their cases, better-understand the medical evaluation and management and perhaps adjust recommendations that would supplement their own testing methods. Finally, sub-specialists in adult neurology, psychiatry and neuropsychiatry often find themselves working with these children by default as there are few pediatric subspecialists who are available to accept them into practice. When facing complex neuropsychiatric illness in children, many clinicians are stymied because they may have “never seen a case like that”. This text fills the wide gap that currently exists and helps move this field forward. The approach utilized in adult neuropsychiatry that is both clear and accessible does not yet have an equivalent in the pediatric realm, but there is tremendous interest in its development. Children and adolescents with neuropsychiatric conditions are very common and they and their caregivers often struggle to find professionals well educated in this field. Ultimately, a wide range of clinicians will find this text to be a very helpful resource for diagnosis and management in the spectrum of pediatric neuropsychiatric conditions. The case-based approach is also unique with respect to neuropsychiatric approaches, and the clear cut, reader-friendly approach of such a format would likely be well-received among physicians looking for a resource on this issue.




Epilepsy Case Studies


Book Description

This book presents a case based approach to epilepsy management in both diagnostic challenges and treatment of complex cases. Cases reflect “real life” patient scenarios that practitioners encounter with up-to-date terminology and treatment approaches. With 51 chapters, the book presents 51 unique, nuanced cases. Beginning with an initial presentation of a case history, the book opens with a basis for drawing in multiple aspects in the treatment of patients with epilepsy. Each chapter is organized into a clinical history, physical examination results, and ancillary testing to concentrate on differential diagnosis and focus on a definitive procedural approach to the final diagnosis. Subsequent information about the condition expands on the knowledge of the clinical features to a solution of common patient clinical scenarios as it affects people with epilepsy. A comprehensive successor edition, Epilepsy Case Studies is an invaluable resource to clinicians ranging from those looking for a quick review of a topic present in the table of contents, to those crossing disciplines into medical areas where seizures are a symptom of disordered or dysfunctional brain.