Seizure

A seizure is a sudden burst of uncontrolled electrical activity between brain cells (neurons) that causes temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements, or behavior.

Signs and symptoms:

• Staring
• Jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Stiffening of the body
• Loss of consciousness
• Breathing problems¹
• Loss of bowel/bladder control

What causes seizure disorders?

• Cerebral edema (fluid buildup around the brain)
• Central nervous system (CNS) infections
• Brain malformations
• Genetic disorders
• Head trauma or injury
• Sores or tumors growing on the brain
• Exposure to toxins
• Certain drugs, such as CNS stimulants and sedating antihistamines

The most common cause of seizures is epilepsy. But not every person who has a seizure has epilepsy.

• High fever
• An infection of the brain
• Lack of sleep
• Low blood sodium

Seek immediate medical help if you have a seizure or if you see someone having a seizure, especially if it lasts for more than 5 minutes.

Types:

• Generalized onset
• Focal onset
• Unknown onset

Generalized onset

These seizures affect both sides of the brain or groups of cells on both sides of the brain at the same² time.

• Infantile spasms
• Absence seizure
• Tonic-clonic seizure
• Atonic seizure
• Myoclonic seizure

Focal onset

This term is used instead of “partial” to be more accurate when talking about where seizures begin. It can start in one area or group of cells on one side of the brain.

In Ayurvedic view

Seizure disorder and convulsive disorder are described in Ayurvedic texts under headings like “apasmara,” “apatanaka,” etc. Of these terms, apasmara typically resembles epilepsy.

The three doshas, along with Rajas and Tamas, are vitiated.

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Satva guna is affected.

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It becomes seated in the Hridaya (heart).

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It blocks the samjna vaha srotasas (channels of consciousness) and indriyas (sensory organs).

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It impairs the power of intelligence and memory.

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SEIZURES

Ayurvedic treatment

Apasmara chikitsa depends on the predominant dosha involved in the type of seizure.

• Thikshna Nasya and Thikshna Anjana prayoga for clarity of mind and indriyas
• Ghrita prayoga (use of medicated ghee)
• Medhya samjnakara oushadha prayogam (use of intellect-promoting and consciousness-restoring drugs)
• Rasayana prayogam (use of rejuvenating therapies)

For Vataja type:

Kashayam (decoction):

• Ashtavarga kashayam – 60 ml twice daily before food
• Kalyanakam kashayam
• Mahakalyanakam kashayam
• Gandharvahastadu kashayam

Churnam (powder):

• Ashwagandha churna – 5 grams with milk at night after food

Ghritam (medicated ghee):

• Kalyanaka ghritam – 5 ml with milk after food twice daily

External therapy:

• Nasya with kshirabala thailam (medicated oil)

For Pittaja type:

• Brahmi swarasam + honey

Kashayam (decoction):

• Drakshadi kashayam
• Mahathikthaka kashayam
• Guduchyadi kashayam

Ghrita Prayoga (use of medicated ghee):

• Brahmi ghritam
• Kusmanda ghritam
• Mahathikthaka ghritam
• Mahakalyanaka ghritam

External therapies:

• Shiropichu with bala thailam, balaguduchyadi thailam, etc.
• Thalam with kshirabala thailam with kaccuradi churnam

Rasayanam (rejuvenating therapy):

• Kushmanda rasayanam (5 grams twice daily after food)
• Cyavanaprasham (10 grams twice daily after food)

Kaphaja type:

• Rasonadai kashayam
• Bhadradarviadi kashayam
• Danadanayanadi kashayam

Ghrita prayogam (use of medicated ghee):

• Panchagavya ghritam
• Lasunadi ghritam
• Hinguvadi ghritam

Rasayanam therapy (rejuvenating therapy):

• Lasuna rasayanam
• Vaca rasayanam

Remedies:

• Aswagandharishtam
• Brahmightitam
• Kalyanaka ghrita
• Mahamrutynjaya rasa