Treatment of cryptogenic epilepsy

Medication for epilepsy should be started after a second fit. In the case of a one-time seizure, the appointment of antiepileptic drugs can not be justified, since they are potentially highly toxic and do not apply for preventive purposes.

Preference is given to monotherapy. Modern research has shown that polytherapy with several drugs in small doses did not justify itself. Selection of the drug is strictly in accordance with the type of epilepsy and the type of epileptic fit. Polytherapy can be justified exclusively in the case of treatment-resistant forms of the disease, which include cryptogenic epilepsy. Simultaneously, more than three antiepileptic drugs are not prescribed.

Taking medication is prescribed, starting with a small dose, with a gradual increase in it to achieve a therapeutic effect or the appearance of the first symptoms of side effects. The defining property of the drug is its clinical efficacy and tolerability.

In the absence of a therapeutic effect, it is gradually phased out and replaced by another one. It is not recommended immediately to switch to polytherapy without having tried all the possibilities of monotherapy.
The use of other drugs, except antiepileptic, is still debated until now. However, since cryptogenic epilepsy does not respond well to treatment, the treatment regimens use both antiepileptic drugs that reduce the frequency and duration of seizures, and nootropic, and psychotropic drugs, as well as those that have a complex effect.

In addition, operations, physiotherapy, special nutrition and vitamin therapy are used.

Antiepileptic drugs used in the therapy of epilepsy:

Carbamazepine (Finlepsin, Tegretol) - is prescribed for generalized tonic-clonic epileptic seizures (large) and focal complex, including secondary generalization. With small seizures is considered insufficiently effective. The pharmacological action has not been studied enough, but the effectiveness is proved. Hypothetically, the drug inactivates sodium channels in neuronal membranes, thereby reducing the generated potential of the action of neurons and conducting pulses in the synaptic gap, which prevents the occurrence of serial discharges. This reduces the convulsive readiness of the brain cells and the likelihood of developing seizures. In addition, its ability to activate the chlorine and potassium channels, restore the rhythm of the potential-dependent calcium channels, and also prevent the release of glutamate. Carbamazepine can be combined with other anticonvulsants. It is not prescribed for patients with blockages of various parts of the heart muscle, liver disease, pregnant women sensitized to this drug.

Dosage is individual, depending on the age and the need for combination with other medicines.

Levetiracetam - effective in generalized and focal seizures, the pharmacological effect has been studied insufficiently, however, it is established that it differs from the action of other anticonvulsants. Hypothetically binds to the protein component of synaptic vesicles SV2A, providing a link between the neurons of the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord, which counteracts the hypersynchronization of neuronal activity and leads to an anticonvulsant effect. The active substance of the drug also has a modulating effect on the receptors of the inhibitory mediators, γ-aminobutyric acid and glycine, through endogenous agents. The selective effect does not affect normal neurotransmission, however, it inhibits the excitation of glutamate receptors and epileptiform neuronal impulses induced by GABA agonist bicuculine. It is not prescribed for patients with severe dysfunction of the liver and kidneys, children under the age of four, and adults over 65 years of age, and also with an established sensitization to pyrolidone and its derivative.

In the treatment of absences, ethosuximide (Suxilep, Pentidan) proved to be very effective. Brakes synaptic impulses in areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for motor activity, has an anticonvulsant effect. When taking the drug, the frequency of small epileptic seizures decreases, epileptiform activity of neurons, inhibits peak-wave activity, specific for disorders of consciousness in absences. The drug can be effective in cases of myoclonic seizures. It is not prescribed for patients sensitized to the active substance, with renal and hepatic dysfunction, porphyria and blood diseases.

If traditional drugs are ineffective, a relatively new antiepileptic drug, Lamotrigine, can be used. He is prescribed for focal and generalized types of seizures, in particular - with the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. He does not have such an impressive list of side effects, like old drugs. The mechanism of its action is also not well studied, however, it is assumed that the drug stabilizes the neuronal membranes, acting on the potential-dependent sodium channels, and also prevents the release of excess glutamate and aspartate without reducing their normal release. The drug is also effective in migraines, depersonalization / derealization syndrome and other mental disorders, the symptoms of which can also be observed in epilepsy.

Gapabentin - a new word in antiepileptic treatment, is a cyclic analogue of γ-aminobutyric acid. Nevertheless, the active substance does not bind to GABA receptors, is not an inhibitor of the reuptake of this mediator, does not affect sodium channels, does not reduce the release of exciting neurotransmitters. Its action is absolutely new, but it is not known for certain. It was found that it catalyzes the synthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid, and also opens channels for potassium ions in neuronal membranes. It also has analgesic effect. It is used for focal seizures with transition to generalized ones. Contraindicated only in cases of sensitization to the patient.

Antiepileptic drugs with a long list of side effects, most often they are manifested by drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, skin rash. To prevent toxic effects with prolonged treatment with high doses, periodic monitoring of the level of antiepileptic drugs in the blood is performed.

In the treatment scheme can also be included Nootropil (Piracetam), improving cognitive function, increasing the speed of thinking due to the normalization of metabolic processes in the tissues and microcirculation of blood in the vessels of the brain.

If the patient develops mental disorders, apathy, depression, hallucinations, neuroleptics or antidepressants may be prescribed.

To relieve pain during epilepsy, prescribe pain medication, if necessary - sedatives. However, the appointment of the drug, according to international standards of treatment, must be strictly reasoned.

The goal of treating epilepsy is to stop seizures. If this goal is achieved and seizures are not observed for four years, drug treatment is canceled.

Vitamins for epilepsy

Patients receiving anticonvulsant therapy need a full-fledged diet containing many vitamins and minerals, especially since treatment with anticonvulsants and seizures themselves can cause a deficiency of certain vitamins, a violation of the process of hematopoiesis.

First of all, the normal functioning of the nervous system requires vitamins of group B.

Thiamine or vitamin B1 is necessary for the qualitative transmission of nerve impulses. Its level is reduced in people suffering from epilepsy, first, as a result of convulsive seizures, and secondly, as a result of taking anticonvulsants. Deficiency of thiamine leads to anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, learning and thinking speed, memory and concentration of attention are reduced, coordination of movements is disrupted. There is evidence that a significant deficit of vitamin B1 can cause convulsive seizures. This vitamin is found in carrots, buckwheat, barley, rye and wheat grains, peas, legumes, fresh greens.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) needs cerebral tissues, its deficiency leads to vascular insufficiency. Reception of anticonvulsants causes in the body an increased need for this vitamin. In addition, without it, another vitamin of this group is badly absorbed - B6. Riboflavin is found in very many products - cereals and cereals, nuts, dairy products and green vegetables, beef, liver, herring and bitter chocolate.

Nicotinic acid or vitamin B3 normalizes brain activity, is also found in many animal and vegetable products - liver, chicken breast, eggs, sea fish, potatoes, carrots, asparagus, celery, mushrooms.

Choline or vitamin B4 takes the cell membranes, normalizes their structure, and synthesizes acetylcholine. In general, our nervous system without this vitamin can not function normally. The products containing it are not a deficit. These are unrefined vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, egg yolks, liver, sprouted wheat grains, oatmeal, cabbage and potatoes.

Necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and other B vitamins - pyridoxine, folic acid, levocarnitine, cyanocobalamin. Vitamins of this group are also necessary for normal hemopoiesis, which is often disrupted when taking anticonvulsants. Products containing these vitamins are readily available: cereals, milk, cottage cheese, cheese, meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables.

The full range of B vitamins is found in brewer's yeast, in addition they also contain zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, manganese, as well as vitamins H and D.

Vitamins A, C, E are no less necessary in the treatment of epilepsy, as antioxidants and immunomodulators. They are contained in many multivitamin-mineral complexes. However, it is much better to provide the patient with adequate nutrition, since the vitamins obtained with food are almost impossible to overdose, the excess will lead the body. He simply will not learn them. But with the synthetic things are more complicated.

In addition to a diet based on nutrition, epileptics reduce salt intake to 10 grams per day, liquids - up to 1-1.5 liters, completely eliminated spicy dishes and spirits.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

The epilepsy treatment regimen uses general physiological procedures that are soothing to the central nervous system. The purpose of such procedures is to reduce the excitability of brain nerve cells, normalize cellular metabolism, and remove excess fluid.

Ultraviolet irradiation, soothing baths, moist wraps, medicinal electrophoresis with preparations of calcium, magnesium, sedatives can be prescribed.

Applied acupuncture and therapy by the method of Vojta (a kind of - therapeutic exercises in combination with massage), which allows to restore motor functions and reduce the number of seizures. The latter method is used to treat patients from a very early age, and adult patients also have good results.

Physiotherapy treatment helps to restore the impaired functions of the central nervous system faster and better, however, it is impossible to cure epilepsy only with the use of physiotherapy.

Folk treatment

From epilepsy or epilepsy there are many recipes of folk medicine. People have always tried to get rid of this serious disease and invented different methods.

For example, to stop the epileptic fit, it is recommended to cover the patient with a black woolen cloth (blanket, rug). The main thing is that the patient does not realize that at the moment of a fit with him, this is what they do. If you cover regularly, then for a year the attacks should pass.

Another way to arrest a generalized epileptic fit: when the patient falls, it is recommended that he step on the little finger of his left hand.

At least these methods are exactly compatible with drug therapy and do not even require prior consultation.

Folk healers also recommend epileptics to starve for three days out of ten or go to a raw diet. It is not clear how fast food is combined with a full-fledged diet, especially such a frequent. But there are more raw vegetables and fruits - this is clearly good advice.

With epilepsy, it is recommended to compress the spine. To do this, mixed in equal parts olive oil and wax, pereoplenuyu together with honey, which was in it. Imbue this mixture with a long patch of tissue, place it along the spinal column along the entire length and attach it with frequent transverse bands of adhesive plaster. Go with such a compress constantly, changing it when the mixture dries. The frequency of seizures should decrease, and then - they stop pestering the patient at all.

Treatment with egg injections. Take a fresh chicken fertilized egg, wash and wipe the shell with alcohol. Cut the egg into a sterilized jar (volume 250-300 ml). Stirring the egg, gradually pour 150ml solution of sodium chloride 0.9%, bought in a pharmacy. Mix well until uniform, put into a syringe and make an intramuscular injection. A single dose of the drug is for patients 13 years and older - 5ml, infants are injected 0.5ml, at one year old -1ml, two to three full years - 1.5ml, 4-5 full years - 2ml, 6-7 full years - 3ml , 8-9 full years - 3.5ml, 10-12 full years - 4ml. Injections are done once a week, on the same day and hour. Male patients - on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, females - on the remaining days of the week. More than eight such injections in a row can not be done. It is recommended to be treated in spring or autumn. If necessary, in a year you can repeat the course (in severe cases, two courses per year are allowed).

At the heart of this recipe is the technique of Dr. Kapustin GA. Live substance from the egg (literally taken out from under the chicken and applied immediately) is a powerful immunostimulant, helping in cases of incurable diseases. Even in neglected cases. To this we can add that in China and Japan quail eggs are used to treat incurable diseases.

For all the effectiveness of embryonic therapy in the home is better not to conduct, there are clinics that conduct courses of such treatment. The reaction of the body to the introduction of a foreign protein is not predictable, usually - the temperature rises (in someone - up to 37.5 ℃, and for someone to 41 ℃).

Much more safe - herbal medicine. For example, you can go through the next course of treatment.

We prepare the collection from the dried and crushed vegetable raw materials:

• one and a half pieces of lemon balm, peppermint, root elecampane;
• on three parts of a woodmaid and a sweet potato;
• four pieces of hop cones.

Stir and boil in a thermos for the night with boiling water (500ml), two tablespoons of the mixture. In the morning, strain and drink for half an hour before three meals with 2/3 cup infusion in a warm form. Together with the infusion, you need to take ½ teaspoon of pollen. At the same time it is necessary to drink another infusion of branches and leaves of black currant, bird cherry, dog rose. Both fresh and dry leaves are suitable. Branches are finely chopped, the leaves are ground. The components are mixed in equal parts. With this mixture fill the kettle with a capacity of three liters, pour boiling water, close the lid and wrap it for four hours. After that, drink six times a day (every four hours) and a half cup of infusion. The child's dose is half that. Treatment is long, up to a year, however, effective.

You can collect and dry the leaves of the mistletoe plant. Brew them in the proportions: a liter of water for 10 tablespoons of crushed dried leaves. Boil on low heat for 10 minutes. Filter. In the broth you need to wet the old linen sheet. Lightly squeeze, wrap the patient, put it in a bed, covered with oilcloth, cover and let it sleep until the morning (until the sheet is dry). The procedure is repeated a long time, until the onset of a prolonged remission.

[1], [2], [3], [4]

Homeopathy

Epilepsy is quite a serious disease of the nervous system, modern medicine denies the ability to cope with it only with the help of homeopathy.

However - this is a controversial issue. Homeopathic treatment of epilepsy does not recognize the suppression of convulsive seizures, which is based on treatment with anticonvulsant drugs, because even stopping their reception does not guarantee the absence of personal changes.

Classical homeopathy does not use drugs of directed anticonvulsant action for the treatment of epilepsy. When assigning funds, many factors are taken into account. In order for the treatment to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor who has experience in the use of homeopathic medicines with a specialist in the field of medicine. Homeopathy can usually give good results even in cases when official medicine is powerless.

In addition, there are homeopathic medicines manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry. They are devoid of individuality, but dilutions in small doses of the active substances do not have harmful side effects. These drugs have a mild effect and can be combined with medicines, help to reverse the side effects of antiepileptic drugs, reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, and help reduce the doses of anticonvulsant drugs.

The hyperexcitation of the central nervous system can be suppressed with the help of Valerian-heel drops, they can be used in the period preceding the seizure, when the patient feels anxiety, anxiety, headache, irritation or depression. If you apply the drug at the time of the prodromal aura, you may even be able to prevent the seizure. Although this drug is intended for course use. Drops in its composition contain eight components, including:

Valeriana (Valeriana officinalis) - is used for anxiety disorders, neurasthenia and increased excitability, if the patient feels as if in a dream, it seems to be another person, with panic attacks, headache, nervous tic;

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - the main homeopathic antidepressant;

Ammonium bromate (Ammonium bromatum) - a means for meticulous, pedantic, idealistic neurasthenics, an antidepressant, used in epilepsy, when the aura begins with discomfort in the stomach or choking;

Potassium bromide (Kalium bromatum) - fear of mental disorder, paresthesia, anxiety, overexcitation, convulsions, is used in epilepsy as a monotherapy;

Sodium bromide (Natrium bromatum) - eliminates the decay of forces.

Picric acid (Acidum picrinicum) - it stops the effects of mental and nervous overwork;

Humylus lupulus (Humulus lupulus) - is used with a darkened mind with preserved mental functions;

Melissa officinalis (Melissa officinalis) - neurosis and neurasthenia, as an immunostimulant;

Oats (Avena sativa) - nootropic effect;

Hawthorn (Crataegus) - improves blood circulation in cerebral vessels, soothes;

Chamomile reticulum (Chamomilla reutita) - sedative effect;

It is prescribed to children from the age of two to five drops, diluted in 100ml of water, after reaching the age of six, ten drops of water drip into the water, from the age of twelve - an adult dose of 15 drops, at night it can be increased to 20 drops. Multiplicity of reception - three times a day, half an hour after it can be eaten. If desired, you can take the necessary dose 60 minutes after eating.

Improve the cerebral circulation, normalize metabolic processes, inhibit mental and mental degradation will help such a drug as Cerebrum compositum. This is a whole homoeopathic composition that includes 26 components of various origins, among which are Belene black (Hyoscyamus niger), Beans of St. Ignatius (Ignatia), Quince seed (Cina), Potassium dichromate (Kalium bichromicum) and Phosphoric acid (Kalium phosphoricum) in homeopathic practice as monotherapy for the treatment of epileptic seizures, as well as other substances contributing to the recovery and normalization of brain functions.

The drug is injectable, used intramuscularly, sub- and intradermally, if necessary - intravenously.

The injections are done one to three times a week. A single dose for patients from the age of six is a whole ampoule, for children 1-2 full years the ampoule is divided into four to six parts, 3-5 full years - into two or three parts.

You can use a solution for oral administration, diluting the contents of the ampoule in a quarter cup of clean water. The portion should be drunk within 24 hours, divided into equal parts and retained in the mouth before ingestion.

Nerve-heel pills can help be prescribed to a patient for the treatment of epilepsy. The complex includes:

Psorinum-Nosode, Beans of St. Ignatius, substance from the ink bag of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) - homeopathic antidepressants, are also used in the treatment of schizophrenia, epilepsy and other mental pathologies;

Acid phosphoricum (Acidum phosphoricum) - used for symptoms of mental exhaustion, emotional shocks, memory loss, suicide attempts;

Potassium bromide (Kalium bromatum) - fear of mental disorder, paresthesia, anxiety, overexcitation, convulsions;

Valerian-zinc salt (Zincum isovalerianicum) - insomnia, convulsions, other manifestations of dysfunction of the nervous system.

From the age of three they apply sublingually for the whole tablet, the scheme for relief of acute conditions: taking a single dose with a fifteen minute interval, but no more than eight times in a row, then every eight hours half an hour before meals or an hour afterwards.

For children up to three years, the tablet is divided in half for one procedure.

After the application of complex allopathic therapy with antiepileptic drugs to eliminate the consequences of massive drug intoxication, as well as to strengthen protective forces, restore respiratory and repair, metabolic processes in brain tissues, liver, kidneys and other organs, Lymphomyosot and Psorinochel N are prescribed in the form of drops for reception inside. The second drug also has a moderate anticonvulsant effect.

In complex treatment, drugs that interfere with hypoxic processes in tissues and metabolic disorders, Ubiquinone compositum and Coenzyme compositum can be used. These are injectable medicines, however, the contents of the ampoules can be taken for oral administration. Doses and the frequency of reception are prescribed by the doctor.

Surgery

Epilepsy is sometimes treated by surgery, the goal of which is to eliminate the cause of epileptic seizures. However, in the diagnosis of "cryptogenic epilepsy", the patient usually does not find specific hematomas, traumatic or congenital structural disorders, neoplasms, vascular malformations, which can be corrected by surgery.

And if surgical pathologies are found, then the diagnosis is specified. It is cryptogenic epilepsy that is not treated surgically.