Ketogenic/epilepsy

[Guest guest]

At 08:54 22/12/0,Maryann wrote:>

>Is there anybody out there that can tell me much about the Ketogenic Diet?

>.........snips....

>Any info as to help for severe children with epilepsy would be greatly

>appreciated as I could forward it along

 

Hi Maryann

 

I do know someone who has a child virtually seizure free who has achieved

this with the ketogenic diet. I will try and contact the mother again.

 

Look at the low carb/high protein diet too. It is very similar to the

ketogenic diet.

 

There are a lot of things a person with epilepsy can do to help reduce seizures.

 

Mental and physical stresses can potentiate seizures but awareness of those

aspects which might trigger seizures might be helpful.

 

*Get adequate sleep. Sleep deprivation is one technique doctors use to

provoke seizures when you are doing those tests. It is just common sense to

allow enough time for the brain to rest.

 

* Some people do have nocturnal seizures due to their neuronal mechanisms

for seizure control shutting down. The choice of bedding and protection

from injury will help reduce the anxiety. Special safety pillows, room to

move, sleeping near to the floor and protection from injury should be

considered.

 

* Learn stress management techniques that you can and will practise when

anxiety looms. Take time off to relax and watch the world go by.

Breathing exercises, yoga, tai chi, meditation, a ylang ylang and lavender

massage are all recommended.

 

* Exercise , 20 minutes of aerobic activity daily that increases the heart

rate keeps the body plumbing system in tone. A sluggish system, a sluggish

body increase depression. Boredom, an inactive mind and depression are

stresses.

 

*Anxiety from anticipation and over excitement can also potentiate

seizures. Life would be dull without the ups and downs but emotional roller

coaster rides will cause havoc with neuronal activity.

 

*Caffeine is both a neuronal stimulant and it reduces adenosine a

neurotransmitter responsible for reducing seizures. Coffee, Chocolate, coca

cola, Pepsi, tea, milo, guarana and other " awakeners " contain caffeine.

 

* Glucose is needed by the brain for its activity. Highs and lows of sugar

should be avoided. Avoid excess sugar consumption or depletion by eating

regularly and making sure you include complex carbohydrates in your diet

which are absorbed at a consistent rate and keep blood sugar levels

balanced. Starvation diets, sweets, junk foods, soft drinks, alcohol all

wreck havoc with blood sugar levels.

 

 

* Dehydration or limited fluid consumption can alter the concentration of

anti epileptic medication available to the brain for seizure control. Hot

days, fevers, vomiting, diarrhoea, strenuous exercise with sweating, can

alter the blood salts and consequent levels of medication.

 

*So also can excessive fluid intake. The excretion of fluids takes with it

a percentage of the medication and reduces levels.

 

* Constipation and diarrhoea are also an upset of the elimination process

and can provoke seizures. Eat a diet with a balanced fibre intake

 

* Severe changes in temperature can trigger seizures. Avoid cold

airconditioning or overheated rooms.

 

* Stay away from mind altering medications or street medications.

Recreational medications are taken because they alter the brain and

stimulate neuronal activity.

 

* A number of medications alter the absorption rate of antiepileptic

medications and care should be exercised when taking any chemical.

prescription, over the counter or natural medicines. Antidepressants,

antihistamines, antipsychotics, penicillins, general anesthetics.

amphetamines, contraceptives, some antibiotics, cortisone like medications,

and any that affect the blood brain barrier can interact and reduce seizure

control. Cough and cold remedies with ephedrine, Evening Primrose oil and

the herb, Sage, should be avoided by people with epilepsy. Pharmacy is a

specialist study . The chemist has the specialist knowledge. Seek it.

 

* Drug withdrawal can also provoke seizures. Sedative and hypnotic

medications , even minor tranquillises and sleeping pills can cause

withdrawal problems. Alcohol, prescribed medications, and street

medications included.

 

* Allergic reactions , hay fever, an allergic rash, sneezing, are sign of

sensitivity and alterations in body chemistry. Antihistamines may cause

problems. Consult with your doctor or chemist.

 

*People with photosensitive epilepsy are sensitive to flickering lights.

This usually affects children. Puberty and changing hormonal levels play a

part. One may have problems with dappled sunlight, driving past repeatable

patterns like fences and trees, equipment with variable light conditions,

sitting close to the TV, light reflection off the water, Disco lights,

computer screens and video games may affect some individuals but only those

who are photosensitive. Polarised sunglasses with side shades provide the

best known protection. Sit back from the TV screen and have a light behind

the set. Try a monitor screen for the computer.

 

*Menstruation can cause seizure control to deteriorate. Maybe increased

fluid retention, altered hormone levels and altered blood levels of anti

epileptic medications cause the problems. Your doctor may help with

medications

 

*Contraceptive pills may interact with and reduce the effectiveness of the

antiepileptic medication. Always discuss every chemical you are taking with

your doctor and your chemist. Your natural hormone oestrogen alters around

your period and you may only have a seizure at this time. Those

contraceptives with higher levels of oestrogen may need to be avoided.

 

* Pregnancy has such a variable effect on different people. Some may find

their seizures threshold rises or decreases. Either way

looking after yourself and healthy precautions are even more important

during pregnancy. Epilepsy does not preclude becoming a mother.

..

*Aromatherapy uses some oils which are potentially dangerous so it

important to go to a qualified therapist for consultation. Some oils like

rosemary, sweet fennel, hyssop and sage are stimulants and should be

avoided.

 

*Acupuncture has been found to be beneficial for some people with epilepsy

by reducing stress and anxiety. Consult an experienced Doctor.

 

*Biofeedback is a technique using an EEG machine to learn to control brain

waves. It is thought to helpful for those with partial seizures or

secondary generalised seizures that begin with an aura. Some people can

learn to recognise the beginning of a seizure and learn techniques to stop

the spread of the seizure.

 

* Some people can develop effective techniques to control the spread of

seizures particularly those with an aura or partial seizures. They may find

by concentrating or distracting their thoughts, specific stimulation, or

rubbing or tensing muscles may work.

 

*Missed medications. The timing of taking medication is crucial to maintain

steady blood levels. If you have a memory problem use a doset box available

from chemist. Keep a spare set for travelling making sure it does not

become moist, heated or out of date. Heat and moisture affect the active

ingredients of medications. Store them away from sunlight, and artificial

heat such as the top of the microwave, TV or fridge and avoid moist storage

like the bathroom.

 

*Some activities should be avoided by people who still experience seizures.

Being a pilot is prohibited, diving is potentially lethal, mountain

climbing hazardous, swimming and boating alone are foolish. But too many

restrictions on peoples activities are stressful and with safety

precautions like company, protection, e.g a helmet if necessary and common

sense and observance of those relevant precautions listed above people with

epilepsy can and do live normal lives. Most never come to attention except

for their achievements.