Are There Any Alternative Treatments for Epilepsy?

There have been some studies of alternative treatments for epilepsy -- including biofeedback, melatonin, or large doses of vitamins. Here is what they found:

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a method of using relaxation or imagery to change body functions such as breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. A biofeedback practitioner measures these functions with electrodes and a monitor. The practitioner describes a stressful situation and then teaches the patient various relaxation techniques.

The patient can see on the monitor the differences between stressed and relaxed situations. He or she can then use the relaxation techniques to feel more relaxed and control these body functions.

Biofeedback has been shown to help people with high blood pressure, migraine headaches and pain. Researchers have investigated whether biofeedback can help control seizures, but the results have not been encouraging. However, patients who have seizures triggered by anxiety or stressful situations may benefit from this therapy, in addition to their seizure medications.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that is manufactured by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin has been touted as an anti-aging substance, as a sleep aid, and as an antioxidant (a substance that protects against free radicals -- molecules that can damage the body). Studies into these claims have not been conclusive.

As for epilepsy, one study showed that melatonin may reduce the incidence of seizures in children, while another study found that melatonin increased the risk of seizures. At this time, it is believed that melatonin does not significantly help prevent seizures.

Vitamins

Although vitamins are necessary for good health, large doses of vitamins do not improve the symptoms of epilepsy and may even be harmful. You should get most of your vitamins from food by eating abalanced diet. If necessary, vitamin supplements such as folic acidcan help deal with vitamin loss caused by medication. People with epilepsy taking seizure medications do appear to have an increased need for calcium and vitamin D to help keep their bones healthy.Pregnant women also need sufficient folic acid to help prevent birth defects.

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.