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Complementary therapies
Questions from healthcare professionals
Q: Are there any contra-indications for a child with epilepsy using a heat pad, which releases a lavender fragrance, for relief of abdominal discomfort?
A: We are not aware of any reason why this would be contra-indicated for epilepsy, as lavender is often considered calming and relaxing. However, there is little research into the use of, and affect of, complementary therapies for people with epilepsy. It often worth being aware of individual triggers for seizures and response to therapies. For more information it may be worth contacting the Aromatherapy Council (opens in a new window).
March 2010
Q: Is acupuncture used for the treatment of epilepsy?
A: Acupuncture comes under the umbrella of complementary therapies. You can find more about the use of complementary therapies and epilepsy on our website. For more information about acupuncture contact the British Acupuncture Council.
Q: Is aromatherapy considered safe for people with epilepsy?
A: The use of complementary therapies, including aromatherapy, is still relatively under-studied in terms of its potential use or impact on people with epilepsy. We publish information about complementary therapies on our website with links to other organisations that may be able to help.
August 2009
Q: Why is the ketogenic diet not used in adults? Are you aware of any adult trails using the ketogenic or Atkins diet?
A: Only studies of the ketogenic diet in children have had good results. It isn’t well known why it doesn't work in adults. The Atkins diet is being tried in the USA. The following paper may be of interest: Kossoff, Krauss, McGrogan, Freeman. Efficacy of the Atkins diet as therapy for intractable epilepsy. Neurology, Dec 2003; 61: 1789 - 1791.
May 2006
Q: A patient has been taking Omega 369 for a few years and has just noticed that the box carries a warning stating that people with epilepsy should consult a physician before using the product. Why is this? Can you also tell me about the results of your research into the use of omega-3 to improve seizures?
A: The warning on the box probably arises from the omega-6 content, specifically in relation to GLA (gamma linolenic acid) content, not omega-3 or omega-9. The warning, to the best of our knowledge, is used by some manufacturers due to what we believe is misinterpretation of some old data. Not all manufacturers give this warning. We are not aware of any good evidence suggesting that omega-6 will cause problems in people with epilepsy. Trials are still ongoing into the use of omega-3 in epilepsy, and so far there is insufficient data regarding the effect on seizure control.
January 2006
Q: Is it possible for one session of reflexology to cause a first time seizure?
A: Reflexology is not contraindicated for people with epilepsy. We are not aware of any cases where reflexology has caused a seizure, nor of any studies that have been done to look at this.
July 2004
Q: Is the ketogenic diet seen as a viable alternative treatment?
A: The ketogenic diet is a recognised alternative treatment for children with challenging or drug-resistant epilepsy. The diet has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in some children, however not all children show an improvement in seizure control with the diet. A study of the ketogenic diet is currently being done by Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Institute of Child Health (ICH), the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy (NCYPE) and the Central Middlesex Hospital. Early results of the study suggest that the ketogenic diet can reduce or end seizures in a significant number of children with severe epilepsy. There is more information about the ketogenic diet on this website.
February 2004
Please note: Epilepsy Society is unable to provide a medical opinion on specific cases. Responses contain information relating to the general principles of investigation and management. Answers are not, and should not be assumed to be, direct medical advice.
