Understanding Epilepsy: A Path to Awareness and Support

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Martha Michael

If you've ever witnessed someone having a seizure, you understand how impactful the experience can be. The sudden movements, the blank stare, and the sense of unpredictability can leave a lasting impression. But it’s essential to approach the topic of epilepsy with understanding rather than fear.

Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures, affecting approximately 3 million Americans and 50 million people worldwide. November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, a perfect opportunity to deepen our understanding of this neurological condition and how it can be managed.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder that results in changes to the brain's electrical activity, leading to recurrent seizures. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the brain's electrical rhythms become irregular, deviating from the synchronous patterns of healthy brain function.

Medical professionals assess various factors, such as the side of the body displaying movement and whether consciousness is impaired, to help classify the type of epilepsy and the affected brain region. For some, seizures may manifest as a blank stare, while others may experience a complete loss of awareness.

Seizures are categorized based on their origin in the brain, and while classifications continue to evolve, they typically fall into two main groups: focal-onset seizures and generalized-onset seizures.

Focal onset seizures

Focal seizures begin in a specific area of the brain and can be classified as:

• Focal onset awareness seizures: The individual remains conscious but may experience accompanying symptoms, such as emotional changes, dizziness, or sensory alterations.
• Focal onset impaired awareness seizures: These involve confusion or loss of consciousness and may include repetitive movements like hand rubbing or lip smacking.

Generalized onset seizures

These seizures start in both sides of the brain and affect a network of cells. They include:

• Atonic seizures: Often called "drop seizures," these involve a sudden loss of muscle tone that can lead to falls.
• Tonic seizures: These are characterized by increased muscle tone and can cause the individual to become stiff and potentially fall.
• Absence seizures: Most common in children, these brief episodes can be mistaken for daydreaming.
• Clonic seizures: Indicated by rhythmic jerking movements, these can last up to two minutes.
• Tonic-clonic seizures: Previously known as grand mal seizures, these involve significant convulsions and loss of consciousness.
• Myoclonic seizures: These short bursts of muscle twitching are typically less intense than tonic-clonic seizures.

Causes and risks of epilepsy

In about 50 percent of cases, the cause of epilepsy remains unknown, particularly in younger patients. When the origin is unidentified, it is often referred to as idiopathic epilepsy, meaning that while the exact cause is unclear, certain genetic factors may play a role. Other potential contributing factors to an epilepsy diagnosis include:

• Genetics: Some types of epilepsy can run in families, while others may arise from genetic changes not inherited.
• Brain function: Tumors or malformations in the brain’s blood vessels may lead to seizures.
• Infections: Conditions like encephalitis or meningitis can be linked to epilepsy onset.
• Head trauma: Injuries from accidents can trigger seizures.
• Developmental conditions: Disorders such as autism and ADHD are associated with a higher incidence of epilepsy.

While some individuals may have a predisposition to seizures, certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing one:

• Low food intake
• Fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Stressful situations
• Alcohol or drug misuse
• Dehydration
• Hormonal changes

How might chiropractic care support patients with epilepsy?

For individuals living with epilepsy, concerns about the physical effects of seizures, particularly on the neck and back, are common. Chiropractic care may provide a supportive avenue for managing physical discomfort, although results can vary from person to person.

Chiropractors use techniques such as craniosacral therapy, which may help alleviate tension and improve nerve function. While some patients report a reduction in headache frequency and lower back pain with regular chiropractic adjustments, it’s essential to approach this form of care with realistic expectations and understand that chiropractic is not a cure for epilepsy.

Chiropractic care could enhance overall well-being by promoting spinal health and supporting nervous system function. Discussing lifestyle choices with a chiropractor might also provide additional strategies for managing epilepsy.

Lifestyle modifications for managing epilepsy

While some health conditions are beyond our control, there are lifestyle practices that may help mitigate the impact of epilepsy:

• Stress management: Reducing stressors can create a more stable environment, helping individuals feel more in control. This could involve reassessing relationships or incorporating regular exercise.
• Sleep hygiene: Quality sleep is vital since fatigue can trigger seizures. Establishing a comfortable, dark sleep environment and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help.
• Psychological counseling: Many with epilepsy experience mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Engaging with a supportive therapist can be beneficial.

The role of diet in managing epilepsy

A balanced diet can play a significant role in supporting individuals with epilepsy and may help improve seizure control. Proper nutrition is essential for overall health and well-being, and certain dietary choices can influence brain function and reduce the frequency or severity of seizures. Here are some ways in which a balanced diet may benefit those living with epilepsy:

• Nutritional support: A well-rounded diet provides essential vitamins and minerals for optimal brain function. Nutrients like magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can support neurological health.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential, as obesity can increase the risk of seizures. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help individuals achieve and sustain a healthy weight.
• Blood sugar stability: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can trigger seizures in some individuals. Eating balanced meals with complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote steady energy throughout the day.
• Hydration: Proper hydration is crucial for overall health, including brain function. Ensuring adequate fluid intake may help reduce the risk of dehydration-related seizures.

The ketogenic diet

For some individuals, particularly those who do not respond well to traditional medications, the ketogenic diet can be an effective therapeutic option. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet has been used for nearly a century to manage epilepsy, especially in children. Here’s a deeper look at the ketogenic diet and how it may support seizure control:

• What is the ketogenic diet? It is designed to shift the body's metabolism from relying primarily on carbohydrates for energy to using fat as its main fuel source. This metabolic state is called ketosis, where the liver converts fats into ketones, which can serve as an alternative energy source for the brain.
• Diet composition: The typical macronutrient distribution of a ketogenic diet consists of approximately 70-80 percent of total daily calories from fat, 15-20 percent from protein, and only about five to 10 percent from carbohydrates. This means that foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, oils, dairy products, and fatty fish are emphasized, and whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables are significantly limited.
• How does it work?: The exact mechanism by which the ketogenic diet helps control seizures is not fully understood, but it is believed that the diet alters the brain's energy metabolism. Ketones are thought to have neuroprotective properties and may stabilize neuronal activity, reducing the likelihood of seizure occurrence.
• Types of ketogenic diets: Several variations of the ketogenic diet exist, including:
  • Classic ketogenic diet: This traditional form involves strict adherence to the abovementioned macronutrient ratios and is often implemented under medical supervision.
  • Modified Atkins diet: This version allows for a higher protein intake and greater flexibility with carbohydrate limits, making it easier to follow while promoting ketosis.
  • Ketogenic diet with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT): This approach includes MCT oils, which can be more rapidly converted into ketones, making achieving and maintaining ketosis easier.
• Considerations and guidance: Implementing a ketogenic diet requires careful planning to ensure nutritional adequacy and effectiveness. It is essential to work with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who has experience with ketogenic diets, especially for individuals with epilepsy. They can help tailor the diet to meet specific needs, monitor progress, and make necessary adjustments.
• Potential benefits and challenges: While many individuals report positive results from the ketogenic diet, including a reduction in seizure frequency and severity, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some potential challenges include the initial adjustment period, potential nutrient deficiencies, and the need for ongoing dietary management.

Overall, a balanced diet and, for some individuals, the ketogenic diet can be valuable components of an epilepsy management plan. Combining dietary strategies with other supportive therapies may help individuals living with epilepsy lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

The experience of seizures can be challenging, both for the individual and their loved ones. While researchers continue to explore the causes and effective treatments for epilepsy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes diet, exercise, and routine chiropractic care can empower individuals living with this condition.

The movements experienced during a seizure are involuntary, but taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle is within everyone’s reach. Together, we can promote understanding, support, and awareness of epilepsy, creating a more informed and compassionate community for all.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.