Epilepsy is a complex, chronic neurological condition that causes unpredictable, recurring seizures. Over 3 million people in the United States have epilepsy, and roughly 150,000 more are diagnosed each year.
If you’re one of the millions living with this challenging disorder, you can find compassionate, patient-focused care at Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center. As a board-certified neurologist and medical acupuncturist, Lori Schneider, MD, expertly integrates conventional seizure prevention strategies with holistic methods like acupuncture.
Wondering how it all works? Here, we provide answers to four common questions patients ask about acupuncture and epilepsy management.
Yes, when you visit a qualified and experienced provider like Dr. Schneider, acupuncture is considered safe for individuals with epilepsy. In fact, studies show it can have significant benefits for many patients.
A skilled medical acupuncturist takes specific precautions for patients with neurological conditions. This may include a neurological exam, blood tests, and a thorough review of your medical history, the type of seizures you have, and what triggers them.
During your acupuncture treatment, Dr. Schneider inserts sterile, single-use needles at carefully selected points on your body. It’s not a painful or stressful experience; the goal is to promote calm and stability within the nervous system.
Beyond seizures, people with epilepsy often deal with associated challenges like fatigue, anxiety, depression, cognitive difficulties, or sleep disturbances. Acupuncture can be a valuable complementary therapy for managing these broader symptoms.
While it doesn’t replace medication, patients who receive regular acupuncture treatments often report improvements such as:
These benefits not only contribute to a greater quality of life, but can also help mitigate potential seizure triggers like stress and sleep deprivation.
Acupuncture plays a supportive role in epilepsy management, working alongside traditional antiseizure medications. These medications are the first line of treatment for epilepsy, and work to control seizures in about 70% of patients.
Regular acupuncture treatments may help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures by promoting balance within the nervous system and stabilizing the electrical signals in the brain. Research into its exact mechanisms is still ongoing, but emerging evidence suggests these effects can provide significant support.
Acupuncture does not replace antiseizure medications. Instead, it serves as a complementary therapy, offering an additional way to support the body’s natural balance alongside your prescribed medications.
Alongside antiseizure medications and acupuncture, other natural treatment options can also provide valuable help when it comes to managing epilepsy.
In some cases, simply changing what you eat can make a big difference. Dr. Schneider may recommend a specialized diet plan, such as a ketogenic (keto) diet or a modified Atkins diet. These low-carb diets may calm seizure activity by changing how your body uses energy.
Dr. Schneider may also suggest natural supplements, which might include certain vitamins, minerals, or plant-based extracts that support brain health. However, you should always talk to Dr. Schneider first before changing your diet or starting a new supplement. She can help you make informed, knowledgeable choices that fit safely with your current treatment plan.
Ready to explore how acupuncture and other strategies can optimize your epilepsy management? Schedule an appointment online or by phone today at Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center in Cornelius, North Carolina, to learn more.
