Treatment of alcoholic epilepsy

Alcoholic epilepsy is a serious problem that affects not only alcoholics themselves, but also their families, relatives, and sometimes the entire environment. According to statistics, this disease is the most severe form of alcoholism, in which the brain is damaged. A seizure develops, which in its external manifestation is similar to an epileptic seizure, but differs from it in that it can disappear for a while after the action of the damaging factor (in this case, alcohol) is stopped.

The main reason is probably one - alcohol. Attacks can develop as a result of long-term alcohol consumption, as well as when drinking low-quality alcohol, or being intoxicated with its toxins. The danger is that a person can injure themselves during an attack, choke on their own vomit, or when swallowing their tongue. But this is not even the most dangerous thing. The person becomes a threat to others. Before an attack, or immediately after it, strong, uncontrollable aggression can develop, the person becomes unmanageable, does not hear anyone, panics. Hallucinations, suicidal and manic manifestations can occur.

Usually there are no single attacks. If a person has already had one attack, then there will certainly be a second one. It is only a matter of time. Attacks often occur after an alcoholic has been drinking for a long time and then suddenly quit. A serious consequence is that during attacks, irreversible processes occur in the cerebral cortex, as a result of which the entire endocrine and nervous regulation is disrupted, immunity is reduced, numerous serious diseases of internal organs and systems develop, up to their complete failure and death.

Severe mental disorders and personality disorders also appear. The person becomes unbalanced, asocial. His behavior can be dangerous to others. The need to take measures and treat such a patient is beyond doubt.

Treatment methods for alcoholic epilepsy

The work is carried out mainly by narcologists and psychologists. Psychologists carry out careful work, trying to see the person as an individual, conducting a survey. At the same time, it is necessary to listen as much as possible, and give advice as little as possible, express your opinion. In no case should you express your criticism, your own opinion and attitude to the patient, alcohol. There is no need to put pressure on the person, to call him to any actions. It is necessary to develop motivation in him, to encourage the need for independent decision-making. It is important to support the person's desire to change his life, to help him in this.

Psychologists use many methods in their work. Basically, all of them are based on the voluntary desire of a person, on his openness, motivation, readiness for cooperation. The psychologist conducts both individual and group work, during which he makes active efforts to show the person all the disadvantages of his past life and the advantages of the future, without alcohol. Together, a goal, tasks of the activity, a work plan are developed, in accordance with the expected results of each patient.

The help of a psychiatrist is required by those whose psyche has suffered quite a lot from alcohol. Not only psychological counseling is used, but also medication, sometimes special physiotherapy procedures, homeopathic remedies, herbal preparations may be required. Often resort to the help of drugs aimed at behavior correction. Psychocorrection is often used as a means preceding drug intervention. Thus, it helps a person to find the necessary attitude, switch to treatment, realize its importance and significance for themselves. Thus, the transition to a new stage will be conscious, which will ensure its higher efficiency. After drug treatment, psychocorrectional work is also often used, since it will allow a person to fully socialize to society.

Before prescribing any medications, it is necessary to conduct diagnostics that will determine what pathologies have developed in the patient, their severity, whether they are reversible or irreversible. The most commonly used diagnostic methods are MRI, CT, clinical, biochemical and toxicological studies.

You may need to consult an epileptologist who will give recommendations on how to overcome and prevent further attacks, help create an individual daily routine, where the load, sleep and rest will be evenly distributed. The doctor will also help you choose the optimal diet and the necessary physical exercises, which are very important for relaxing the nervous system, relieving muscle tension, which in turn prevents spasms and cramps. Diet is very important. The doctor will make a list of products and dishes that must be completely excluded from the diet, as well as a list of those products that are recommended for use.

Treatment of alcoholic epilepsy at home

Treatment of alcoholic epilepsy is quite complex and labor-intensive, requires great responsibility and discipline, both from the patient and from his relatives. It is necessary not only to attend psychocorrectional classes, but also to try to adhere to the daily routine and recommended treatment at home. It is necessary to try to walk in the fresh air as much as possible, engage in moderate physical activity, perform breathing and relaxation exercises that a psychiatrist or psychologist can recommend.

Breathing exercises will help normalize metabolic processes in the body, maintain the optimal level of oxygen in the body, the optimal ratio of gases in the lungs and blood, eliminate symptoms of intoxication. Autoimmune training, relaxation practices will help relax the brain, distract from thoughts about alcohol and other obsessive ideas, help find harmony and a sense of balance, harmony.

A normal psychological state will help to normalize the nervous and, as a consequence, the endocrine system. And this, in turn, will ensure coordinated and complete regulation of the functional state of all systems and organs of the body, and can restore some of the lost functions. The state of the immune system is also normalized, as a result of which the body's ability to resist many infectious and inflammatory processes increases. The body's ability to resist, adapt, and endurance increases significantly.

Many are recommended active training, running, swimming, jumping. Health complexes of qigong and hatha yoga are very useful. The body can get a lot of benefit from physical therapy, attending yoga therapy classes, where an individual program of work with the body and consciousness is almost always selected. It is possible to work not only on the physical body, eliminate blocks, clamps, but also to find out, reveal psychological problems, clamps of a person, to actively fight them.

The patient's environment also plays an important role. It is necessary to change the social circle, on a permanent basis, or temporarily stop all communication with people who abuse alcohol. It is better to change the previous social circle to a completely new one, which will consist of like-minded people who are also trying to fight the problem of alcoholism, and experience the same hardships, deprivations and problems as the person himself. It is also necessary to communicate more with those who have already gotten rid of the destructive addiction to alcohol and have a positive experience of resisting alcohol. Also needed are people who lead an active, healthy lifestyle, maintain their physical and mental health, are full of optimism.

The immediate environment should support the person in every way in his desire to start a new life, and should also ensure control so that the alcoholic does not return to his bad habit. All drinks that contain alcohol, even beer and wine, should not be in the house.

A good psychological incentive would be if the patient himself gives them to one of his friends or acquaintances. It is important that this is voluntary, a sign of good will and a conscious choice of the patient himself. Only then can good motivation be created. In no case should relatives throw alcohol out of the house, especially during the absence of the patient himself, or hide alcohol.

No one should drink alcohol in the presence of the patient. It often happens that alcoholics break down, they are overcome by a feeling of fear, aggression, bouts of depression, apathy, which are accompanied by the desire to start drinking again. Relatives should patiently help the patient overcome these desires. It is important not to make concessions to the patient. Compliance with the regimen should be strict, without any conventions and reservations, no matter how difficult it is and no matter how tired the person is. Otherwise, treatment loses its meaning. The person will not only not be cured, but the situation may even worsen.

What to do with alcoholic epilepsy?

As soon as the first signs or precursors of a seizure appear, the patient must be provided with rest, and also not allowed to fall, supported. Otherwise, the patient may get injured or inflict injury on others. At the same time, there is no need to panic, you need to pull yourself together. The patient's convulsions should not be restrained under any circumstances. Instead, you need to try to turn the patient on his side, which will not give him the opportunity to choke on his own vomit if vomiting occurs. You need to insert a pencil, pen, or any other object between the teeth that will prevent the patient from biting and swallowing his tongue during convulsions.

You need to call an ambulance and, while waiting for it to arrive, provide the patient with access to fresh air by opening a window or taking the patient outside. You also need to remove the top of your clothes or unbutton the collar or top button to remove any pinches and tension, and provide access to fresh air to the chest.

Help with alcoholic epilepsy

Help consists of allowing the convulsions to come out, without exerting pressure or obstruction. There is no need to hold back the convulsions by force, it will only make things worse. The only thing that can be done is to protect the person by turning him on his side, inserting a pencil, pen, or any other accessible object between the person’s teeth so that the patient does not choke on vomit during the convulsions, and also so that the tongue does not block the entrance to the respiratory tract and does not block them, causing respiratory arrest.

You can't make any sudden movements. You need to remove all sharp, hard objects that could cause injury to a person. Unbutton your clothes, loosen your belt, remove belts, small accessories, which will prevent the risk of injury, improve breathing and blood circulation. Usually, convulsions go away on their own after a few seconds. After an attack, you need to give the patient warm tea to drink, leave him completely alone, and give him the opportunity to sleep. It would be good if the patient was examined by a doctor immediately after the attack. If this is not possible, you need to visit a neurologist the next day.

Medicines

Any medications should be taken only after a preliminary consultation with a doctor, tests, and an accurate diagnosis. This is the main precaution. Otherwise, there is a risk of developing side effects. The main one is that with alcoholic epilepsy, the risk of developing intoxication of the body increases significantly, against which the pathological symptoms can only intensify.

It is important to remember that the patient's blood contains elevated levels of alcohol and has low activity of alcohol dehydrogenase, which is unable to neutralize the resulting toxins. As a result, any medication used together with alcohol forms toxic compounds that will negatively affect the body, causing a number of structural and functional disorders, including death.

To normalize blood circulation and maintain normal brain function, it is recommended to take finlepsin 1 tablet twice a day. In case of severe cerebrovascular accidents, it is better to take this drug in combination with cinnarizine: 2 tablets three times a day. Piracetam has also proven itself well - take 1 tablet twice a day. To support the heart muscle, the drug tononorma is recommended 1 tablet 2 times a day. Mildronate will also help improve the work of the heart muscle. It is taken 1 tablet 1-2 times a day, depending on the state of the body.

Anticonvulsants for alcoholic epilepsy

Since the main symptom of epilepsy of alcoholic etiology is convulsive syndrome, a number of medications are used to eliminate it. Thus, no-shpa will help eliminate convulsions by relaxing the muscles. It is taken 1-2 tablets at the time of the attack and immediately after it, as well as in a course during therapy - 1 tablet 3-4 times a day, depending on the severity of the symptom.

For severe cramps accompanied by vascular spasm and heart rhythm disturbances, propranolol is prescribed, which is taken at 20 mg per day, gradually increasing the concentration to 120 mg per day. Take for 3-5 days.

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Vitamins

It is essential to take vitamins, because without them normal metabolism is impossible, it is impossible to restore the function of many organs and systems, or normalize blood circulation. Below is a list of vitamins that must be taken, as well as their daily dosages. It is recommended to take the following vitamins:

• B – 2-3 mg
• C – 500 mg
• PP – 30 mg
• H – 7-8 mcg
• E – 20 mg.

Physiotherapy treatment

There are no means that will help completely eliminate the cause and the main pathological mechanism of epilepsy development, however, there are means that will help significantly improve the condition and prevent the likelihood of further seizures. That is, symptomatic physiotherapy is used, which is aimed at solving a separate problem, issue.

Electrophoresis works very well on the body. With its help, various vitamins, mineral complexes, and medications can be introduced into the body. The effectiveness of the method is that the administered medications penetrate directly into the inflammation site or other affected area. This has a pinpoint, local effect, as a result of which the desired result can be achieved much faster.

The need for the drug (its dosage and concentration) is also significantly reduced, which does not cause addiction or dependence, and allows eliminating side effects and overdose.

The principle of the method is that under the influence of certain medications, as well as electric current (microcurrents), the permeability of tissues and their sensitivity increases significantly. Accordingly, the effect comes faster, it is possible to relieve muscle tension, spasm, relax muscles, blood vessels, and tense nerve fibers. The overall muscle tone also increases.

No less effective are such procedures as shock wave therapy, ultrasound therapy, infrared light exposure, and others.

Folk remedies

Golden mustache has proven itself well in the treatment of alcoholism and alcoholic epilepsy. It can be taken as a water decoction. Take 15-20 joints, grind them, and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. Leave for 2 hours in a dark place. Do not forget to shake the mixture every 10 minutes. The tincture must be stored in a dark and cool place.

Take the decoction 3 times a day 15-20 minutes before meals. The dosage is 15-20 drops per half a glass of water. The course lasts 10 days, a repeat course is carried out after 5-7 days.

Aloe juice is also effective in combating the symptoms of alcoholism, helps eliminate the consequences of attacks and prevent the development of new ones. Take a tablespoon three times a day. If an attack occurs - every 40 minutes after the attack.

An oil-fat mixture with aloe and golden mustache juice helps eliminate the effects of attacks and normalize metabolic processes. To prepare the mixture, squeeze out the juice from aloe and golden mustache leaves and mix it in equal parts. Melt about 100 grams of butter over low heat while stirring constantly. Add 3 tablespoons of lard and melt until a homogeneous mass is formed. Gradually pour in the juice of the squeezed plants, without stopping stirring. Then remove from heat and allow to harden. Take a small piece, spreading it on bread.

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Treatment of alcoholic epilepsy with leeches

This procedure is widely used not only in alternative but also in traditional therapy, and is called hirudotherapy. The principle is that a leech attaches itself to the body, which bites through the skin, releasing a special enzyme into the blood, which is contained in its salivary glands. The enzyme has a thinning effect on the blood, cleanses it of toxins and other consequences of intoxication.

The leech also sucks out some of the blood, which causes the blood to spontaneously renew itself, due to the release of spare elements and cells from the depot. Subsequently, after the leech has drunk enough blood, it detaches itself from the skin. Immune and biochemical processes are launched in the body, aimed at cleansing and restoring the body.

Herbal treatment

Common anise is an annual herbaceous plant with an annual straight stem, branching at the top. The fruits used are collected in August-September. The homeland is China, but is currently cultivated in many countries around the world.

In ancient times, it was noted that remedies from this plant significantly improve the appearance of the skin, the general condition and well-being of the body. It helps after wild parties, effectively eliminates headaches, swelling, spasms, morning sickness, and gives strength. Later, it began to be used to treat alcoholism, eliminate the effects of intoxication, attacks, and convulsions. It is used in the form of a water decoction.

Arnica montana is used to treat the consequences and complications of attacks, especially if they are accompanied by attacks in the form of convulsions, spasms. It is a great preventive measure that significantly reduces the frequency of attacks. The flowers have a stimulating effect on the body, increase immunity, resistance, and endurance. They have an anticonvulsant effect, relieve spasms, dilate blood vessels, nourish the brain and heart, and normalize the lumen of the coronary and other vessels. In addition, decoctions significantly reduce the excitability of the brain, have a choleretic effect, and calm the body.

To prepare the decoction, pour 3 tablespoons of water with a glass of boiling water, bring to a boil in a water bath, then remove from heat. Allow to brew for half an hour. Drink a tablespoon three times a day, diluted in half a glass of milk, after meals.

Bergenia crassifolia is used to normalize the work of the heart and brain, to improve the condition of blood vessels, to eliminate signs of spasms, cramps, clamps. It is a perennial plant with a thick branched rhizome. The leaves are dark green, leathery. The flowers are small, collected in a dense inflorescence. It blooms in May-June. Rhizomes, roots, leaves are used, especially old and blackened ones. They contain much more active substances. Of these, tannins, glycosides, sugars, dextrins predominate.

The leaves have an antitoxic effect. They remove not only toxins and poisons that have entered the body from the outside, but also autotoxins formed in the body under the influence of alcohol or other negative factors. It is mainly used in folk medicine in Siberia and Altai. Tea made from blackened leaves is an effective thirst-quenching drink that has a general strengthening effect. It is drunk as a decoction, and the medicinal dose is unlimited. Honey and sugar can be added to taste.

Lesser periwinkle helps to eliminate the consequences of attacks, convulsive syndromes. This remedy strengthens the heart muscle, normalizes the activity of the cerebral vessels, coronary vessels, reduces blood pressure, eliminates spasms. In addition, it removes toxins from the body, prevents the development of autoimmune complexes, internal damage by alcohol toxins. This helps to restore the body, normalize metabolic processes, improve well-being and appearance. It is not for nothing that in the Middle Ages periwinkle was considered a symbol of eternity and constancy. An excellent astringent and hemostatic agent. It has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels, especially capillaries. It is used mainly in the form of a decoction. The herb (leaves, stems, flowers) is used. Contains indole alkaloids, bitter substances, vitamin C, carotenoids. The plant is highly poisonous, so it should be used with extreme caution, strictly observing the dosage. Before use, it is better to consult a doctor. Usually no more than a glass per day is prescribed.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are quite effective and are widely used to treat various diseases, including epilepsy and alcohol addiction. Despite the fact that they have significantly fewer side effects compared to medications, it is still necessary to take precautions. The main one will be the need to consult a doctor before use, since only a doctor can most accurately select the optimal remedy, its dosage, concentration, and method of administration. Otherwise, side effects may appear, including worsening the condition, attacks, convulsions, seizures.

To eliminate cramps and spasms, powder from dried cicadas has long been used. You can also use a decoction prepared from them. Effectively eliminates the effects of intoxication, cramps. Not only removes the effects, but also prevents the formation of new ones. Also quite an effective remedy for eliminating feverish conditions, reducing body temperature.

Pork fat is prescribed to people with symptoms of intoxication, with a tendency to convulsions. Very often it is used in melted form: melted over low heat until completely dissolved, with constant stirring. Then allowed to solidify, consumed in small slices.

Mole crickets and crickets, dried and ground into powder and combined in equal quantities with the addition of licorice root, are used to strengthen the brain, heart muscle, and also in cases of pronounced signs of intoxication of any origin: bacterial, viral, alcoholic, food.

Healing properties are also attributed to metals. Among them, great importance is attached to gold, which is an obligatory component of the "elixirs of immortality" created in the East. It is believed that gold strengthens the body, normalizes metabolic processes, increases resistance, eliminates addiction, and has a positive effect on the nervous system and heart. Water infusions of gold are mainly used: a gold item is poured with mineral water for 1-2 days, allowed to infuse for 24 hours, then drunk on an empty stomach in the morning.

Herbal decoctions are widely used, for example, decoction of burdock and nettle. We can talk about the normalizing, cleansing and tonic effect of the plant, which has a powerful effect on the human body. The decoction normalizes metabolic processes, improves the activity of the heart muscle. To prepare the decoction, take about 5-10 grams of the plant, then pour a glass of boiling water. Infuse for an hour, drink the entire decoction within 24 hours. The decoction can be prepared in a thermos or in a water bath.

Surgical treatment

There are no surgical treatments. Surgical methods can only be used to eliminate the consequences of seizures and convulsions: for example, in case of vascular damage, myocardial infarction.