Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition resulting
from disorganised electrical activity of the
brain. The common characteristics of this
disorder are nervous spasms and
convulsive fits or seizures.
There are two types of epilepsy. In the first
type, scientifically known as symptomatic
epilepsy, the convulsions may be traced to
one of several definite causes. The second
type, which is more common, is called
idiopathic epilepsy, in which abnormal brain
cell activity arises for no apparent reason. It
is this second condition that most people
think of, as epilepsy.
Warning signs may be noticed, such as
headache, drowsiness, giddiness and
yawning. These are followed by the aura,
which is really the beginning of the seizure.
There may be tingling sensations in the
limbs, with disturbances of taste and smell.
As consciousness is lost, the patient falls
forward. There is gnashing of teeth.
Sometimes, the patient bites his tongue,
with foaming of saliva in the mouth.
The eyes roll up and become fixed, and then
the muscles start to jerk violently. The
patient may look pale until the convulsion
passes and normal breathing is resumed.
As the fit passes off, the patient may fall
into a deep sleep or may go into a trance-
like state. It is important that epileptics are
not left face-downward or in a position
where they could swallow their own vomit.
Many people are able to lead fully normal
lives with their epilepsy controlled by
natural remedies. Epilepsy is not thought to
be inherited, although there is sometimes a
tendency for it to run in families. However,
epilepsy still has not lost its stigma. In fact, it
is a disease like any other; epileptics are
otherwise as normal as people with high
blood pressure or diabetes.
In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advised
that if an epileptic patient feels the un-
natural sensations, he (or she) should not
wait until he/she falls down, but should lie
down immediately. If, say, on the road, he/
she should quickly get to a nearby building
and sit down, resting on a wall.
If the patient has gone to convulsive fits, it
is important to get him/her to lie down and
allow fresh air into the room. It may be
necessary to place a piece of rubber or
wood between the teeth where there is a
danger of biting the tongue. The use of
metal (such as a spoon) is common, but this
can sometimes injure the patient.
The Holistic natural remedy being
recommended for epilepsy consists of
natural extracts of Viscum album, Hyssopus
officinalis, Allium sativum and Verbena
hastata.