Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, disrupting normal brain function. These electrical surges can impair a person's awareness, movement, or emotions. Individuals with Epilepsy can experience seizures that may vary in intensity.
Anyone can develop Epilepsy, regardless of background or age. It affects millions of individuals worldwide. The exact reason for Epilepsy is still not clear but it could be triggered by head injuries, brain infections or even certain genetic factors.
Epileptic seizures are categorised into 2 types depending on where they begin in the brain:
These start in one specific region of the brain. The two types of focal seizures are:
Focal Onset Aware Seizure: The person is alert and conscious during the seizure.
Focal Onset Impaired Awareness Seizure: The person may become confused or lose consciousness during the seizure.
These involve both sides of the brain. They are divided into several types:
Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal): This is the most common type and involves muscle stiffening and jerking.
Absence Seizures (petit mal): These cause brief lapses of awareness, such as staring into space.
Myoclonic, Atonic and Tonic Seizures: They include different muscle movements and loss of control.
Epilepsy is manageable with proper Ayurvedic treatment, which may include medication, lifestyle modifications and natural therapies under the guidance of expert Ayurvedic practitioners.
Epilepsy may happen due to a number of different reasons, although in many cases, the exact cause is unknown. Understanding the causes may help with proper management and treatment of this condition.
The following are the common causes of Epilepsy:
Genetics: Some types of Epilepsy run in families. Individuals with inherited genetic factors for Epilepsy have increased odds of developing it. This is commonly seen in conditions like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy or childhood absence Epilepsy.
Head Injuries: A blow to the head due to accident, fall, or injury could damage the brain and cause Epilepsy. This is more common if the injury is severe or causes brain scarring.
Brain Infections: Brain damage caused by infections like meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining), encephalitis (brain inflammation), or neurocysticercosis (parasitic infection) could result in Epilepsy.
Brain Tumours: Abnormal growths in the brain may also lead to seizures. One potential cause of Epilepsy is brain tumours (cancerous or non-cancer).
Stroke: A stroke, which occurs when there is disruption in blood circulation to the brain, could result in brain damage that triggers seizures. People with strokes may even develop Epilepsy later in life.
Developmental Disorders: Brain malformations or conditions that affect brain development like cerebral palsy or autism can raise the risk of Epilepsy.
Metabolic Disorders: Problems with the body’s metabolism (for example, how energy is made and used in the brain) can cause seizures and lead to Epilepsy.
Immune System Disorders: Some autoimmune conditions that cause the immune system to attack its own cells, could also result in seizures and brain damage.
Epilepsy causes repeat seizures, though symptoms may vary considerably from person to person. Seizures may affect an individual's body, mind, and emotions in different ways. Some people may have warning signs (called auras) before a seizure and some have seizures without any warning.
The most common Epilepsy symptoms are mentioned below :
Seizures may lead to quick jerking or twitching of muscles. This might happen in the arms, legs, face or the entire body. Occasionally a person may fall to the ground during a seizure.
Some people with Epilepsy lose awareness during a seizure. This could include staring into space, not responding, and having trouble understanding what's happening around them.
Some seizures cause a person to "zone out" or have a blank stare, remaining unresponsive to others for a few seconds to a minute. These are common in absence seizures, especially in children.
An individual may feel disoriented or confused after a seizure. They might take some time to become fully aware of their surroundings.
Others describe experiencing tingling, numbness, or even a bizarre smell or taste. These sensations are often a warning sign (aura) of a seizure.
Some seizures also affect emotions. People may experience sudden fear, anxiety or déjà vu before or after a seizure.
Some people repeatedly smack their lips, blink their eyes or chew during a seizure. These could happen without the individual being aware of them.
Some seizures cause muscle stiffness, which may lead to a person falling. Other times, muscles may become weak or floppy, leading to a "drop attack.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Epilepsy using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically made herbal blends to restore balance in the body and support emotional health.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: Relaxing practices to ease the mind, reduce stress and improve health.
Ayurvedic Therapies: Natural treatments like Panchakarma and massages to detox the body and promote emotional balance.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert guidance on healthy changes in your diet and everyday habits to improve your health outcomes.
In Ayurveda, herbal medicines are used for managing Epilepsy. These natural remedies balance the body’s energies, calm the nervous system, and reduce the number of seizures. Many Ayurvedic herbs are known for their ability to support brain health, reduce stress and support overall wellness.
Some of the most common Ayurvedic medicines used to control Epilepsy are given below :
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): Brahmi is among the most commonly used herbs in Ayurveda for supporting brain health due to its neuroprotective qualities. It is believed to boost memory function, decrease stress and calm the central nervous system, which is helpful in Epilepsy.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha is an adaptogen which helps the body deal with stress and strain which may cause seizures. It also supports the nervous system and promotes mental clarity and energy.
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis): This herb is known for improving memory and cognitive function. It can help calm the mind and central nervous system, and is especially good for conditions like Epilepsy.
Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi): Jatamansi is known to relax the brain. It lowers stress, anxiety and nervous tension and is a useful herb for preventing seizures.
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): Guduchi helps with immunity and restoring balance in the body. Additionally, it calms the nervous system and also soothes inflammation.
Vacha (Acorus Calamus): Vacha is believed to increase brain power and improve focus and memory. It's used in Ayurveda for neurological disorders and supporting brain function.
Tagara (Valeriana Wallichii): Tagara is known to calm the body and mind and is used for insomnia, anxiety and other nervous system conditions. It may help control seizures by relaxing the mind.
Brahmi with Honey: Ayurvedic medicines for Epilepsy commonly combine Brahmi with honey. The honey provides a soothing effect and the mixture improves brain function and reduces the risk of Epilepsy.
Garlic Juice in Oil: Garlic possesses strong neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory qualities. In Ayurveda, garlic oil is used to manage Epilepsy by calming the nervous system.
Epilepsy is caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Common Epilepsy triggers include head injuries, infections, genetic factors, brain tumours, strokes and some developmental disorders. But in most cases, the cause is unknown.
Yes, Ayurveda can prevent Epilepsy by strengthening the mind and nervous system. Herbal remedies like Brahmi, Ashwagandha and Shankhpushpi balance the body’s energies, relieve stress and improve cognitive function which may prevent seizures.
Ayurvedic treatment for Epilepsy focuses on balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) to reduce the frequency of seizures. Herbal medicines, detoxification treatments, stress management and lifestyle modifications are used to manage Epilepsy and boost brain health.
Lifestyle changes like regular sleep patterns, balanced diet, stress reduction and yoga are considered essential to control Epilepsy in Ayurveda. Avoiding triggers like lack of sleep or emotional stress may help in reducing seizures .
In Ayurveda, Epilepsy diagnosis is based on the imbalance in your doshas using pulse diagnosis, observation and patient history. An Ayurvedic doctor also examines your symptoms and health to find the root cause of the seizures.
Ayurvedic remedies can help reduce seizure frequency and improve brain health with consistent treatment. Herbal remedies and proper medical care can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
Yes, Ayurvedic therapy is considered safe for kids with Epilepsy when recommended by an experienced Ayurvedic physician. Mild, natural herbs like Brahmi and Shankhpushpi can help control seizures and improve cognitive function without unwanted side effects.
The amount of time required to see improvements depends on the person's condition, seizure severity and consistency of treatment. Regular use of herbal medications and lifestyle modifications should generally show improvements within a few weeks to months.
Most Ayurvedic herbs are safe but some may interact with prescription medications. Consult your Ayurvedic physician to make sure you stay away from any adverse reactions between your Epilepsy medication and Ayurvedic therapies.
Ayurveda suggests a balanced and healthy diet to manage Epilepsy. Light and easy to digest foods that are full of nutrients such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and dairy may help balance the doshas and improve brain health.
Yes, stress may be a cause of seizures in Ayurveda. Stress is thought to disturb the balance of Vata and Pitta doshas and create nervous system imbalances. Ayurveda suggests yoga, meditation & regular sleep to reduce stress and control seizures.
