Many Australians use complementary therapies in some way to help improve their health and wellbeing. Complementary therapies are therapies used alongside conventional medicines or treatment.
Complementary therapies include herbal remedies, homeopathy, supplements, yoga, aromatherapy, and acupuncture, and can help to promote health and well-being, as well as manage stress.
There is research to suggest that certain lifestyle changes, such as yoga, mindfulness, exercise, music therapy, and adjustments to diet, could help people with epilepsy, when used along with routine treatment (Spurgeon et al 2024).
It is important to be aware that some complementary therapies contain active ingredients and can cause unwanted side effects, including allergic reactions, whether it’s ingested, inhaled or applied to your skin. So although these therapies are often marketed as “natural” it doesn’t mean they don’t have unwanted effects.
Plus, there is a risk they may not mix well with your antiseizure medication, or may affect the way medication is absorbed, metabolised or excreted from your body. Always seek advice from your doctor before commencing any complementary therapy.
Antiseizure medication may cause nutrition deficiencies
Some antiseizure medications can change how nutrients are absorbed or metabolised in the human body. Therefore some people with epilepsy taking these medication may be at higher risk of a nutrient deficiency.
It is known that long-term use of some antiseizure medication affects bone density and increases the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.
Like the general community, many people with epilepsy take vitamin supplements. This is generally not a problem, but it is important for people planning on trying any complementary therapies to speak with their doctor or health professional first.
Nutrients that may be affected
- Folic acid
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
- Biotin
- Vitamin B6 and B12
- Selenium
- Zinc and Selenium
This is a short list of possible deficiencies. Not all medications cause deficiencies.
Be careful if you purchase supplements via the internet as quality control may be poor.
Never stop taking antiseizure medication suddenly or attempt to change the dose without speaking to your doctor. This can lead to serious or life threatening seizures.
It is always recommended that you avoid any foods, supplements or ingredients that you are allergic to, or you feel are connected to your seizures.
Using complementary therapies with epilepsy
Stress Management – many adults with epilepsy report they have more seizures at times of increased stress. If stress is a trigger for your seizures, recognising and managing that stress can help. Using relaxation techniques such as meditation, muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, Tai Chi, yoga, exercise or therapeutic massage are some ways to reduce stress. There are also many apps that can help with managing stress. Choose what works for you.
Managing stress can lead to improved physical and mental health, and help you sleep better. All of which can help with seizure control.
EEG Neurofeedback – evolving from biofeedback, this is a therapeutic intervention that provides immediate feedback from a computer-based program that assesses someone’s brainwave activity. It has been used to teach people how to regulate their heart rate and exert some control over their brainwaves. It is unknown how these changes reduce seizure activity, however, some studies on humans have shown a significant reduction in seizures.
Yoga – Yoga is an ancient system of physical, mental and spiritual holistic practices that originated in India. It involves a diverse range of mind–body practices such as meditation, relaxation techniques, breathing practices, physical postures, and philosophical principles.
Regular yoga therapy can reduce stress, and improve physical, mental and emotional health. Various studies have shown that yoga alleviates stress, induces mental and physical relaxation, and provides many health benefits to those practicing it regularly, including improved coordination, cognition, mood and quality of life. Continued practice of meditation was shown to synchronize and slow EEG activity and improve the clinical picture in people with drug-resistant epilepsy (Spurgeon et al 2024).
There are many types of Yoga so it is worth doing some research and discussing with an expert what type may suit your needs.
Aromatherapy – the use of concentrated essential oils as inhalations or in massage therapy has long been used as a means of relaxation for stress reduction. Studies on the use of essential oils on people with epilepsy and found that Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Chamomile and Bergamot may have a beneficial effect.
*Essential oils to avoid include Rosemary, Hyssop, sweet fennel and sage.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Many people with epilepsy suffer from anxiety and/or depression and this tends to affect the persons motivation to manage their epilepsy effectively and can also disrupt sleep routines and remembering to take medication.
Cognitive behaviour therapy is a well-established psychotherapy approach for a range of mental and emotional health issues, including anxiety and depression. CBT aims to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and learn practical self-help strategies. These strategies are designed to reduce anxiety and depression and bring about positive changes in quality of life.
Exercise – Exercise has many health benefits, physical and mental. The benefits of exercise for people with epilepsy have been increasingly reported, including less seizures, improved quality of life and reduction in depressive feelings (Arida et al 2012). Even a daily 20 minute walk can help.
Some complementary therapies can help improve seizures indirectly because they make you feel better generally. For instance, if stress is a trigger for your seizures, a therapy that helps you to feel less stressed may help you to have fewer seizures.
Remember that some complementary therapies may increase your risk of seizures. Always use a qualified therapist and let them know you have epilepsy or any other conditions you have, plus any medication you are taking.
Like with medications, people respond differently, and some therapies may help reduce seizures for some people, and not others.
Mixing supplements with antiseizure medication
If you wish to use any supplements, talk to your doctor, pharmacist and/or naturopath and discuss taking these alongside antiseizure medication. Some of these therapies may interfere with your medication or your medication may enhance or change their effects.
Supplements to be cautious about include:
- Commonly used herbal remedies, such as Ginkgo (ginkgo biloba), evening primrose oil and star flower. These are thought to increase the risk seizures.
- Seizures have been reported with some dietary supplements especially if they contain caffeine.
- Some herbal remedies can change the medication absorption, metabolism or excretion from the body, thus can lead to changes in the levels in the bloodstream
- For example Shankpushpi, a herbal remedy used as a tranquiliser and to lower blood pressure, interacts with phenytoin (Dilantin) lowering the blood levels.
- Mentat, a product made up of more than 20 herbs and advertised as a sedative and ʻoffering protection against seizuresʼ, increases the bioavailability (blood level) of carbamazepine (Tegretol), which can lead to high blood levels.
These are just some examples. If you notice any side effects check with your therapist and doctor/neurologist immediately.
Reference: Nutritional Supplements, Foods and Epilepsy
Epilepsy Action Australia does not endorse the use of any of these products. Medical information and knowledge changes rapidly and you should consult your doctor for more detailed information. This is not medical advice and you should not make any medication or treatment changes without consulting your doctor.
Further information
Epilepsy Factsheet – Self Management
Locating a qualified naturopath: Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association on (03) 9811 9990 or www.anpa.asn.au , or Australian Natural Therapists Association on 1800 817 577 or www.anta.com.au
