ABSTRACT
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a diverse group of health care practices and products that fall outside the realm of traditional Western medical theory and practice and that are used to complement or replace conventional medical therapies. The use of CAM has increased over the past two decades, and surveys have shown that up to 44% of patients with epilepsy are using some form of CAM treatment. This article reviews the CAM modalities of meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, nutritional and herbal supplements, dietary measures, chiropractic care, acupuncture, Reiki, and homeopathy and what is known about their potential efficacy in patients with epilepsy.
Subject(s)
Complementary Therapies , Epilepsy/diet therapy , Epilepsy/therapy , Acupuncture , Animals , Biofeedback, Psychology , Diet, Ketogenic , Fatty Acids, Omega-3/administration & dosage , Homeopathy , Humans , Mind-Body Therapies , Phytotherapy , Relaxation Therapy , Therapeutic Touch , YogaABSTRACT
Epilepsy is among the most common chronic neurologic conditions. Many patients with epilepsy will receive chronic treatment from a primary care provider rather than a neurologist. Here, review the fundamental aspects of epilepsy diagnosis and treatment to provide optimal patient care.
