Seizure Treatments

Seizure Treatments questions and answers

Learn About What Are Common Seizure Treatments And Symptoms.

Q: Can I use Photo Grade Potassium Bromide for treating Dog Seizure?
I've been looking for a pharmaceutical grade potassium bromide here in the Philippines for dog seizure treatment but all i can find in many chemical suppliers here in Manila is Photo Grade potassium bromide. Can this be used for dog seizures? What is the difference between photo grade and pharmaceutical grade KBr? I really am in dire need of this stuff for my dog.

A: The main difference is likely to be that the photo grade is not approved safe for ingestion. Basically the may contain other chemicals even if only in traces that makes it unsafe to be ingested. So I would not recommend giving it to your dog as it may well do more harm than good including possibly killing your dog. Do you have a local pharmacy or medical clinic in your area that would be able to order pharmacy grade for you? Also I'm not sure how available vets are in the Philippines but if possible, if you haven't already, I would recommend consulting a vet as seizures can have may causes and it is possible a sign of an underlying condition.

Q: After you first grand mal seizure, is it necessary to go on medication?
I had my first grand mal seizure last month, and thankfully have not had another yet. I have no family history of seizure disorders or history of trauma, but I did have absence seizures as a child (have not had one in 20 years) and an abnormal EEG. The doctor wants me to think about Tegretol as a medication but I am very hesitant to take this due to the countless side effects that go along with it. Is is necessary to take drugs after only one grand mal, and if so has anyone ever taken this drug?? Also, does anyone know of any herbal or alternative treatments for seizures?? Thanks for your help!!

A: my brother in law has horrible seizures i mean really really bad! you for sure need to talk to your doctor about options, stress, life changes, foods you eat, colors you see etc can trigger seizures so it could be something in your enviornment that caused this mis fire in your brain. you for sure need to talk to the doctor about the next thing to do if you dont want to be on meds you dont have too! you have the right to refuse anything good luck i know how damaging and life changing this disease can be! god bless you i wish you the best

Q: Can an epidural trigger an epileptic seizure in a person with epilepsy?
A friend of mine who has epilepsy had just had an epidural done, whatever they are, at a hospital and soon after had a seizure. Could the treatment have led to it?

A: An epidural is when anesthesia is injected into part of the spine. I don't see how that could trigger a seizure, but it is possible. For more on epidurals = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidural

Q: How much are treatments for dog seizures?
My dog has these symptoms: Straining of body, head up, dilating eyes, foam and saliva out of mouth, twitches at times. I think he may have epilepsy. How much would the medication cost?? Our family doesn't have much money, and I would like to help my dog, but I don't want to pay for something that is expensive but doesn't work. HELP! And when ever we go to the vet for check up's. they charge a whole lot.

A: Welcome to the world of having a pet! We have a Husky rescue with Epilepsy. First step is to take the dog to the vet! The blood tests will vary depending on the area. Tasha's were about $85 last week plus the office visit. Depending on severity of the condition Valium and Phenol will probably be prescribed. Tasha's seizures are extremely bad but the meds only run about $35 a month and do the trick. When you go to a doctor do they see you for free? And a vet is treating someone who can't tell them what is wrong, yet the vet gets it right the first time, usually. I can't say the same about "human" doctors. Take me to a vet! Please! If this is a financial hardship, get the dog into a rescue (not the pound ... owner turn-ins are put down immediately in many areas) to be adopted by somebody with the resources to care for it. Good luck. 25 years of being owned by Siberian Huskies. I currently have 14 Huskies most of whom were rescued by us from people who didn't’t know what they were getting into. http://www.dogster.com/dogs/486763

Q: Are there any homeopathic treatments for ideopathic seizures in puppies?
The puppy developed seizures after being sick with Kennel Cough, the vet prescribed lasix ( a non potassium sparing ) fluid remover for the dog. He got lasix for three days, now he has seizures grand mal lasting about 5 seconds every 36 hours. He appears fine after its over.

A: Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. N. Miami Beach FL. Phone: 305-653-3337. avh@naturalholistic.com or avhlist@naturalholistic.com. Amercian Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Bel Air MD. AHVMA@compuserve.com. You can find a professional whom you can consult about puppy's seizures. I just read from Hamilton's book and can't reproduce the thousands of words he has there on seizures. "If your animal is having a convulsion, is in between a series of convulsions, or is about to have one ...you can use the Bach flower essence called Rescue Remedy...and this will often calm him. It will sometimes stop a convulsion." Rescue Remedy is available in most health food stores. It is totally benign and works just by putting three to four drops somewhere on the puppy's body, probably between his ears. Always shake the bottle well before using. It cannot possibly harm him in any way. KG is right on with the raw diet. Dr. Hamilton suggests vitamin B supplements too. The raw diet will provide the highest possible nutrition and ensure his overall health for his lifetime. With the raw food the natural vitamins in the meat are much better than supplements. And Dr. Hamilton strongly supports natural feeding for cats and dogs.

Q: My sister's teacup chihuahua is suffering seizures. What types of medicines or treatments should we give her?
The veterinarians do not seem to know what to do. We have given her some medication--phenobarbital liquid--and it seems to be helping her a little bit. The doctor said it was normal for her to suffer from "episodes" once in a while.

A: Rub some Karo syrup or regular (not diet) pancake syrup on her gums.If she comes around,feed her a small meal.She may be suffering from hypoglycemic episodes,which phenobarbital will not help.Don't give her any more or you could kill her.But do the Karo and then it would be wise to get to an emergency vet.Make sure she eats at least three or four small meals a day. This is why it is not wise to buy "teacup" dogs.The vet may have said that it would be "normal" for the dog to have episode because she is so small and therefore more prone to both seizure disorders and hypoglycemia. http://hubpages.com/hub/chihuahuas-hypoglycemia

Q: Does anyone know of any good online support groups for people with seizure disorders?
I have been suffering with Grand Mal seizures for the past 7 years and they have gotten worse over the past couple of years. I have sought treatment from a neurologist who has tried three different drugs that have all caused terrible side effects. I need people to talk to who can share their experiences with me and who can help me cope with the limitations I have as a result of my seizure disorder. Any information would be greatly appreciated.....

A: I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL. I AM AN EPILEPTIC. I HAVE BEEN SINCE I WAS 2. I AM ON THE LAST MEDICATION POSSIBLE AND HAVE BEEN TOLD I AM NOT A SUITABLE SUBJECT FOR SURGERY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SITE ONLINE,I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND ONE. IT'S RIDICULOUS. I UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION. THE ONLY THING I CAN TELL YOU IS THAT THERE IS A PLACE CALLED THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION.THEY MAY BE ABLE TO HELP WITH SOME STUFF. IF YOU JUST WANT SOMEONE TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO,I WOULD WELCOME YOUR EMAILS. IT IS VERY HARD TO FIND SOMEONE TO TALK TO. MY NAME IS SANDRA.MY EMAIL IS jgalafleur@yahoo.ca AVAILABLE ANYTIME. GOOD LUCK,GIRL.

Q: how do doctors know how treatments such as splitting your brain to prevent seizures really works?
today in psychology we were talking about the two brain hemispheres and we watch a video on a guy with epilepsy and to control it they seperated his left hemisphere from his right. the treatment worked but how do doctors know that taking a risk with such a delicate and essential part of the body wont result in death or other problems? i mean they have to experiment some how dont they? so what do they experiment on animals such as primates since they are the closest thing to us? or do they experiment on human beings?

A: First experiments are on animals, often dogs. When those can be shown to work, they try it on humans desperate enough for a cure to take a chance.

Q: What are some alternative treatments for Epilepsy?
I've heard Kombucha is helpful. I also know of acupuncture. Anything else? My seizures are getting more frequent and... it kinda sucks (obviously) so I am looking for some treatments to add with my meds.

A: Hi Becca, There are some herbal & homeopathic remedies that can be used effectively on their own for people who are not currently using prescription medications or can be taken in combination with anticonvulsant medications to improve their effectiveness as well as to allow for lower dosages and subsequently fewer side-effects. These include herbs like passion flower and skullcap, which have beneficial effects on the health and functioning of the brain, neurons, and entire nervous system. There are also biochemic cellular-supporting tissue salts which may be taken at the first signs frazzled nerves and imbalanced moods for effective, temporary help. These include Cuprum metallicum & Cicuta virosa. As far as diet goes. A diet rich in fats but low in carbohydrate - sugars and starches, is most suitable for most of the epilepsy patients, especially children. This is called ketogenic diet as it produces ketosis, in which blood levels of chemicals called ketones increases. This is said to decrease the number and intensity of seizures drastically A good alternative therapy quite effective in seizures is Biofeedback – It is both an ancient as well as a modern medical tool. In this, you learn to influence body processes which were once thought to be beyond conscious control. It is an ancient Indian art and has of late been discovered by Western doctors. You need to ask your doctor about this as it beyond the scope of this piece of information. Hope all this helps

Q: This is for a neurology can a chiropractic physician visit cause you to go into a seizure?
I went to see a chiropractic physician went in i was felling fine came out after he did his shock tendion treatment and ex-rays i leave get outside and go into a seizure. Just wondering if that would of or could of caused this. Been taking medician like suppose to .

A: First of all, chiropractors are not physicians. They are doctors of chiropractic (DC), not medical doctors (MD). Second, if you felt fine, why were you seeing a chiropractor? I'm not sure what "shock tendion treatment" is referring to - maybe electrical stimulation on the muscles? You should know more about what was done and why the chiropractor did it. Not knowing what treatment the chiropractor did or any medical problems you have, there is no way to definitely say whether the treatment lead to the seizure. To learn more about the controversy of chiropractic care, visit Chirobase: http://www.chirobase.org

Q: Will I be discharged if I refuse seizure medication?
I am in the Army and have been experiencing seizures. I don't think I have a disorder but next time one happens they will try to put me on heavy seizure meds which I do not want to take. If I refuse will they discharge me? Don't get me wrong, I will seek treatment when put out but I do not agree with the Army's means of controlling them. And no, I don't drive. I guess I just can't make that long term commitment to risky meds when this might be strictly environmental. Anyone know an answer?

A: Either way, you are probably going to get kicked out. A seizure disorder disqualifies you for world wide duty. That is the criteria the services use to keep you in. You could get a medical discharge or retirement depending upon the circumstances. Refusal to take prescribed medications can also get you kicked out. General discharge for refusing lawful orders and thus rendering yourself unfit for duty. Good luck in civilian life.

Q: Does anyone know of non-medical treatments for seizures?
I had 2 pretty major seizures within a few days of each other (stressful time) a few months ago, but none since. Before that, I had had some "absence seizures", or staring spells, but they lasted about 10 seconds, and I never lost consciousness. Anyway, they put me on Topomax a few weeks after the seizures happened (I had no problems between the seizures and the start of the medicine), and I am itching to get off of it. I am very tired, my heart pounds and I get dizzy when I try to exercise, my menstrual cycle is all off and my cramps and bleeding are severe, I feel weak, I've lost weight and muscle, my immune system is down (I went to a picnic where a baby had a stomch virus- no one got sick except me and the grandma, and I never get sick), my hands and feet tingle, ... I do not like to be on medicine period, but this is just too much for me. I've got an appointment with the neurologist to cut back the dose. But if I could get off of it altogether, I'd be THRILLED!!!

A: not a good idea.

Q: I am looking for an alternate treatment, other than pills to treat a seizure disorder. Serious responses only?
My daughter has this disease, and we are tired of her constantly being lathargic. She deserves a more normal life.

A: I have nocturnal seizures and I know exaclty how hard it is on a child because i started having them when i was 12. I have had some pretty bad ones but not as bad as some. The one thing that helped me out more than anything was having a loving and a helpful family. I unfortunatly have just been taking pills my entire life and it is no way to live. You are right to try to seek out a diffrent method to control your daughters seizures. The other entry posted here about implanting electrodes to offset sudden spikes in your nervous system was accurate. You should talk to a doctor about it, but do plenty of research yourself before you decide. If your daughters old enough she should have some say in it as well. Good Luck to you and your daughter.

Q: Apparent Seizure and treatment?
If it appears a person has had seizure and appears ok. Is it necessary to take them to the ER or make a doctor's appt ASAP?

A: Yes it is it to at least call dr asap. Do they have a history of seizures? If yes they are most likely on a medication that is not working or they dont have enough in thier system to keep the seizures from happening. If they have no history I would say Er because most people just do not up and have a seizure for no reason. I also would say many people who have a seizure have another one soon after sor ER is a good Idea for both. Hope I helped.

Q: Does anyone know of a treatment for seizures without surgery?
My son has had seizures now for 4 years. We have tried several meds and none work. Now the doctors are suggesting surgery. I have heard of the special diet -Keonetic. Are there any other treatments known?

A: It really depends on the cause of the seizures. It sounds as if you've been getting medical attention. ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) helps some patients, but surgery might offer a permanent cure. You should consider it at least.