Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable brain disorder. People of all ages can suffer from epilepsy. About 2 million people in Pakistan are thought to have epilepsy, with the largest frequency occurring
under 30 year. The estimated prevalence of epilepsy in Pakistan is 9.99 per 1,000 people.
NORMAL PHYSIOLOGY OF BRAIN:
The human brain functions through the coordinated activity of billions of nerve cells (neurons). These neurons balance excitatory and inhibitory impulses by communicating via chemical and electrical signals. These signals are used by the brain to regulate emotions, motor actions, thought processes, and sensory perception. Neurons typically fire in a coordinated rhythm to control bodily processes.
WHY DOES THE BRAIN NOT PERFORM PROPERLY IN EPILEPSY?
Epilepsy disrupts the normal function of the brain due to abnormal electrical activity in neurons.Under normal conditions, neurons communicate using electrical impulses and neurotransmitters in a controlled manner. However, in epilepsy, there are excessive and sudden bursts of electrical activity, leading to seizures. Several factors contribute to this disruption:
Ø IMBALANCE OF NEUROTRANSMITTERS:
Neurotransmitters like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) inhibit brain activity, while glutamate excites neurons. In epilepsy, there may be too little GABA or too much glutamate, leading to uncontrolled electrical activity.
Ø NEURONAL HYPEREXCITABILITY:
In epilepsy, neurons become overly excitable and fire excessively. This hyperactivity overwhelms normal brain function and can result in convulsions, loss of consciousness, or unusual sensations.
Ø Genetic Factors: Some forms of epilepsy run in families, indicating a hereditary component.
Ø Brain Conditions: Conditions such as stroke, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases can lead to epilepsy.
Ø Head Trauma: Severe head injuries may trigger epilepsy.
Ø Infectious Diseases: Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, and neurocysticercosis can contribute to epilepsy.
Ø Prenatal Injuries: Oxygen deficiency or brain damage during fetal development can result in epilepsy.
Ø Developmental Disorders: Conditions such as autism and neurofibromatosis are linked to epilepsy.
CURE ACCORDING TO NUTRITIONAL VALUE:
While epilepsy has no absolute cure, certain nutritional strategies help manage seizures:
1. Ketogenic Diet
REFERENCE: Freeman JM, Kossoff EH, Hartman AL. “The Ketogenic Diet: One Decade Later.” Pediatrics, 2007.
FINDINGS: Freeman JM, Kossoff EH, Hartman AL. “The Ketogenic Diet: One Decade Later.” Pediatrics, 2007.
REAL LIFE CASES: A young boy named Charlie Abrahams was diagnosed with severe epilepsy and suffered from multiple seizures daily. After trying multiple medications without success, his parents turned to the ketogenic diet, which reduced his seizures dramatically. The Charlie Foundation was later founded to help other children with epilepsy.
Source: Charlie Foundation Website
2. Vitamin B6 DEFICIENCY:
REFERENCE: Baxter P. "Pyridoxine-dependent and pyridoxine-responsive seizures." Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 2001.
FINDINGS: This study discusses cases where infants with seizures were successfully treated with Vitamin B6.
REAL LIFE CASES: A newborn with drug-resistant seizures was found to have a Vitamin B6 deficiency. After receiving B6 injections, seizures completely stopped within hours
Source: Case study from Journal of Child Neurology, 2018.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
REFERENCE: Bromfield EB, Cavazos JE, Sirven JI. An evidence-based review of dietary interventions in epilepsy. Epilepsy Currents, 2017.
FINDINGS: Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce neuronal excitability, helping to manage seizures in some patients.
REAL LIFE CASE: A 35-year-old man with drug-resistant epilepsy followed an omega-3-rich diet (fish oil supplements & flaxseeds) for six months. He reported a 30% reduction in seizure frequency.
Source: Research article in Epilepsy & Behavior, 2020.
4. Intermittent Fasting and Epilepsy
REFERENCE: Hartman AL, Gasior M, Vining EP. The Neuroprotective Role of Intermittent Fasting in Epilepsy. Neurobiology of Disease, 2019.
FINDINGS: Fasting has been shown to enhance brain energy metabolism and reduce seizure frequency.