For people who are struggling with epilepsy there is a new device on the market which can help especially when other treatments have not worked out well. It is called the RNS System and it is manufactured by NEUROPACE. It has been recognized for its innovative design by people in the medical field and is made in Silicon Valley. Pacemakers can respond to and monitor heart conditions. This device does the same thing but with the brain. The system has an implantable and small neurotransmitter which has small wires that are attached to two areas in the brain where the onset of seizures can occur. It comes with a simple to use remote monitor that can collect information in a wireless way from the brain implant. This information can then be directly sent to a Patient Care Management System. The doctors can take this ongoing source of information to improve the care of the patient.
People with epilepsy can also try alternative therapies to modern medicine for treating the disease. Some people try acupuncture. This is a therapy with a long tradition from China. Acupuncture is the use of small, thin needles which are placed in various areas of the body. It is usually used for pain management but some people with epilepsy have found success in this treatment. It is important that the person performing the acupuncture is licensed and has experience with treating epilepsy. Some people with epilepsy have found that they have been helped by using different vitamins. Some of these vitamins are vitamin B1, vitamin D, Vitamin E and folic acid. It is important to talk to your doctor about the vitamin treatment you would like to try.
Some people decide to use herbal remedies to help with their epilepsy. Herbs such as mug wort, valerian or burning bush can be used. Again it is important to check with your doctor first. Some people have had success with the Ketogenic Diet. This diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. It can work especially well in children. The diet has been used to treat this disease for nearly 100 years.
There is evidence that medical marijuana can be used to help the symptoms of epilepsy. Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis. It has been found to be potentially helpful for controlling epileptic seizures. In studies done using this medication seizures went down as much as 50%. A study that took place in Israel had some promising results. They used a product that contained 20 parts of cbd e liquid and one part of THC. A significant number of those participating in the study showed improvement. Some people trying this product had mild side effects and they shortly went away. Many states in the United States currently allow medical marijuana for treating epilepsy. In the United States this research can be held back because federal and state laws can conflict when it comes to medical marijuana. This really needs to change. People’s lives are depending on this. A new way of thinking towards this issue is needed.