Epilepsy in Children (Apasmara)

अपस्मारं पुनः स्मृतिबुद्धिसत्त्वसंप्लवाद्वीभत्सचेष्टमावस्थिकं तमः-प्रवेश माचक्षते ॥

Epilepsy: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Do's, Don'ts, Yoga, Ayurvedic Reference and Treatment : Complete Ayurveda Details

Epilepsy is one of the most common nervous system disorders seen in children. It can be seen in children and adults of all races and ages. It is a brain condition that causes the children to have seizures. The brain consists of millions of nerve cells that communicate via electrical signals. When one or more parts of the brain has a burst of abnormal electrical signals in a way that alters the normal brain cell functions, seizures can occur. When a child has a series of seizures – 2 or more with no known cause, it is diagnosed as Epilepsy. Epilepsy can occur due to many reasons including hereditary reasons, neuro-pathological issues etc. Immediate treatment and attention is required, as in later cases it may cause permanent damage to the nerve cells.

Epilepsy in children can be correlated to “Apasmara” as per Ayurvedic science. Acharyas like Vagbhata, Charaka and Kasyapa have mentioned Apasmara in children. According to Vagbhata, Apasmara mainly occurs due to destruction of memory and results from loss of wisdom and consciousness when the mind gets deranged by worry, grief, fear etc. All three doshas, Vata Pitta and Kapha are vitiated in Apasmara. The Ayurvedic classics recorded accurate treatment methods to alleviate the condition. Based on research led by our experts, IAFA have also developed unique medicines to manage epilepsy in children.

Causes of Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Epilepsy in Children can occur due to various reasons. The main causes are-

Genetic/Hereditary causes

Epilepsy can be familial. Petit mal epilepsy and Grand mal epilepsy are observed in many cases. EEG abnormalities, which is one of the main causes for abnormal brain cell function, can also be inherited from parents to the child. Along with this, inborn errors of metabolism may also result in Epilepsy.

Biochemical/Neurotransmitter causes

Seizures can occur due to imbalance of neurotransmitters like GABA and ACh which favors excitation and produces Seizures. The Sodium and Potassium ion imbalance also causes alterations in electric discharges due to depolarization and results in seizures.

Neuro-pathological causes

Pathological lesions like Tumors, Scar, Infection, vascular blockage etc. can lead to multiple seizures resulting in Epilepsy

Idiopathic causes

Sometimes Epilepsy also occurs due to unknown causes

Psychological causes

It has been reported that increased fear, anxiety, depression and other psychological conditions may result in seizures.

Other causes includes

Birth Injuries

Low blood sugar level

Certain toxic drugs and chemicals.

Ayurvedic reference of Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Types of Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Generalized seizures – All areas of the brain cortex are involved in generalized seizures
Partial / Focal seizures – Only part of the brain is involved, so that only a particular part of the body is affected

Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

The child makes rhythmic uncontrollable movements of arms and legs, which slows down after a few seconds.
Eyes are wide open
Child may not appear to be breathing. Often the breathing becomes deep after an episode
Loss of urine may present
Dribbling of saliva
Loss of consciousness
Return to consciousness is gradual and should occur within minutes.

Diagnosis of Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Detection of Epilepsy requires proper clinical examination. The epileptic focus and pattern of epilepsy can be determined by investigations. The main methods for diagnosis are-

EEG- ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM
MRI- MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
SPECT – ICTAL SINGLE PHOTON EMISSION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
PET- INTERICTAL POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY

“IAFA® is the only leading Ayurvedic institution in the world for the management of child health through Ayurveda. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® ensures better assurance and guidance through research based natural friendly Ayurvedic remedies for the management of epilepsy in children and other health related ailments.

Reach IAFA for a result oriented treatment of your child!

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist

CEO & Founder of IAFAⓇ

Diet for Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Do's (Pathya’s)

Green gram
Pomegranate
Coconut
Gooseberry
Grapes
Meditation

Don'ts (Apathya’s)

Going through a situation of anger and grief
Over exertion
Prawns and other similar seafood
Swimming
Extremely hot food

Yoga and Pranayama for Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Yoga and Pranayama have excellent results in all Psychological disorders. In Apasmara also Yoga and Pranayama helps in controlling the condition. Asanas like

Gomukhasana
Vajrasana
Savasana
Chakrasana etc. helps in keeping the mind and the body in calm as well as balanced.

Ayurvedic treatment of Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Permanent management of Epileptic condition is possible through Ayurveda. Both internal and external medicines along with the practices of Yoga Asanas and Pranayama helps in controlling occurence of episodes of seizures.

अथाऽऽवृतानां धीचित्तहत्खानां प्राक्प्रबोधनम् ॥ १५ ॥
तीक्ष्णैः कुर्यादपस्मारे कर्मभिर्वमनादिभिः ।

Shloka No. 15-16, Chapter No. 7- Apasmara Pratisedha, Ashtanga hrudaya Nidana Sthana by Acharya Vaghbhata

In Epilepsy, the channels of intelligence, mind and consciousness are covered by doshas. So they should be cleared first by therapies including combination Panchakarma like Emesis (Vamana) therapy and Purgation ( Virechana) therapy.

Internal medicines of Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Panchagavya ghrita
Maha pancha ghrita
Dhanadanayanadi kashayam
Maha Kalyanakam kashayam
Aswagandharishtam
Brahmi Gritham
Kushmanda ghrita

External Medications of Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Asvagandha bala lakshadi taila- massage over head and body
Lashadi taila- head massages.
Fumigation

Single herb used to treat Epilepsy in Children - Apasmara

Brahmi
Vacha
Sankhapuspi
Tila
Shatavari

References:

Shloka No. 5-7, Chapter No. 8, Apsmaranidanam – Charaka Samhitha Nidana sthanam by Acharya Agnivesa.
Maharaj Sri Krisnandaji. Rasa Tantra Sara va Siddhi Prayog Sangraha 2nd part, Krisna Gopala Ayurved Bhawan. 12th edition 2010, Unmada – Apsamara – 18, page no. 139-141.
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India Part – 1, 2nd revised English edition, section – 3 Avaleha and Paka. Page No. 46, section – 5 Guggulu, page numbers 68, 70, 189 and 191.
Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, edition reprint – 2006, page no. 444-450.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is it possible to treat Epilepsy in children through Ayurveda?

Answer: Yes, Ayurveda has permanent solutions for the successful management of Epilepsy.

Question: How Ayurvedic treatment is useful for epilepsy in children?

Answer: Ayurvedic treatment of epilepsy in children is quite safe and effective as it involves treatment with nourishing herbs along with diet and lifestyle modifications.

Question: How effective is Ayurvedic treatment for epilepsy?

Answer: Ayurvedic treatment of epilepsy in children focuses on treating the root cause of epilepsy which is the imbalance of doshas. Ayurvedic treatment supports the desired coordination of various parts of the brain with the help of herbs and herbal remedies. The Ayurvedic line of treatment significantly reduces the severity and frequency of the seizures.

Question: What is the Ayurvedic treatment of epilepsy in children?

Answer: Ayurvedic treatment of epilepsy in children includes internal medications that include medhya rasayana, manas chikitsa, akshepshaman chikitsa, sangyasthapan chikitsa etc. along with some dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.

Question: Which herbs are useful in the treatment of epilepsy in children?

Answer: Some herbs such as Jatamanasi (Nardostachys jatamanasi), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) etc. are quite effective.

Question: Do Panchakarma methods help in Epilepsy management?

Answer: Ayurveda Panchakarma is the best choice for the treatment of epilepsy.

Question: What are the Ayurveda and Yoga methods for treating Epilepsy?

Answer: The methods for the management of Epilepsy includes

– Ayurvedic internal and external medications

– Unique diet

– Unique regimen

– Yoga postures and Pranayama

Question: What is the recommended diet for the children suffering with epilepsy?

Answer: Take foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids such as flax seeds, soybeans, tofu, sprouts, foods rich in Vitamin E such as carrots, broccoli, nuts, papaya, spinach etc. Also include ash gourd seeds in the diet.