Managing Seizures with Supplements Effectively: Importance of Vitamins and Minerals in Epilepsy

As per one of the theory attempting to explain the cause of seizures, epileptic attacks are attributed to the damage of fatty membranes that surround the nerve cells. Preliminary research studies have shown that Vitamin E, with its strong antioxidant properties, prevents the damage of the fatty membrane and thereby prevents the occurrence of seizures. Though there is no concrete proof of how supplements benefits of supplements in management of seizures and epilepsy, their role in managing epileptic attacks is undisputed.

Seizures are associated
with abnormal impulses
in the brain

How Supplements to help manage Epilepsy: Role of Supplements in managing Seizures

It should be noted that supplements can’t cure the condition and anticonvulsant drugs are mandatory for the treatment of epilepsy. Under no circumstances should supplements be considered as substitute to prescription drugs. However supplements do contribute positively in management of seizures,

• Nutritional deficiencies are identified as one of the leading cause of epileptic seizures. Supplements help in correction of these nutritional deficiencies and prevent recurrence of seizures
• At times supplements contribute effectively in aiding anti-convulsant drugs by enhancing their efficacy.
• Prolonged use of anticonvulsant drugs is associated with unpleasant side-effects, which can also be effectively managed by supplements. 

Supplements for Epilepsy: Important Vitamins and Minerals to Manage Seizures

• Vitamin B complex, especially Vitamin B6 and Folic Acid play a crucial role in management of epileptic attacks. Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters (i.e. chemicals meant to send message from one neuron to another). However, since most of the B complex vitamins work in conjunction, it is best to take a Vitamin B complex supplement. Ideally 400 mcg of Folic Acid and 150 mcg of Vitamin B12 is ideal
• Calcium and Magnesium deficiencies also have been associated with epileptic seizures. Ideally consume 250 mg about twice a day. However there are certain precautions for magnesium supplements.
• Glutamine and Taurine are two amino acids whose deficiency is associated with seizures. Glutamine helps stabilize the blood sugar levels while Taurine regulates electrical impulses in the brain which may result in a tranquilizing and calming effect



Supplements enhance
the effectiveness of
Anti Convulsant drugs

• Regular intake of 5000 IU of Vitamin E is presumed to improve the nerve sheath, which in turn is reported to improve electrical transmission of impulses and helps in preventing seizures.

Managing Epilepsy Effectively: Do’s and Don’ts for Seizures

There are certain things that need to be understood, especially while handling a person with seizures or epileptic attacks,

·      Don’t try to restrain a person having a seizure. This increases the risk of you either hurting yourself or the person.

·      Don’t try to insert a gag in the mouth of the person to prevent him from biting his tongue. You are actually putting the person at a greater risk of choking.

·      Cushion the persons fall and ensure that he/she doesn’t fall on a hard or a sharp object

·      After the seizure is over, turn the individual on to his/her side to prevent gagging or choking

A person who has had a previous episode of a seizure should refrain from the consumption of alcohol, as alcohol tends to interfere with the action of anticonvulsant drugs.