If your dog has seizures then this article is for you! I want to share with you what vitamins are best for dogs who have seizures. There are many different vitamins that can relieve seizure signs. If you want to stop your dog from having seizures, getting the right vitamin supplements could be a big help.
vitamins for seizures can be a difficult situation for any pet owner. Just like humans, your dog will respond positively to the correct type and amount of vitamins. However, it can often be hard for you to know if something is causing the problem or if it’s just unrelated to your dog’s health.
vitamins for seizures
As a pet owner, I know that dog seizures are dangerous and can cause great suffering. For this reason, it is important to know the treatment for seizures. In this article, I will talk about vitamin B or B12 for dogs with seizures. It is important for you to find out how much B12 you should give your dog with seizures, how often and so on. We will also talk about what other vitamins you can use in place of B12 to help cure dog seizures.
There are a lot vitamins that can be taken to help with seizures. If you do not know which one is best for your dog, they can help you. There are many vitamins which a dog needs to take in order to have good health and prevent seizures.
what vitamins should i take for seizures
We’ve all heard of B vitamins, right? But you may not know the differences between them. How many are needed? What are their important functions? Which ones should I be taking if I have seizures? This article will answer these questions and more.
In today’s society, people are more aware of the importance of supplementation when it comes to their health. That said, the method and dosage of vitamins used by doctors and nutritionists has always been a little controversial. While most medical professionals agree on the need for high quality supplements that help decrease inflammation and improve overall health, many still question if they should be taking anything at all.
vitamins for dogs who have seizures
Epilepsy is a condition in which disruption to electrical activity in the brain results in seizures.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), epilepsy affects around 3 million adultsTrusted Source and 470,000 children in the United States.
The most common and effective treatment for epilepsy is prescription antiepileptic drugs, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol).
However, there are different types of epilepsy and different types of seizures, and only around two-thirdsTrusted Source of cases respond well to medication. Surgery may be an option for some people, but this is not always possible.
Antiepileptic drugs can also cause side effects for some people, so a doctor may need to make adjustments to a person’s medication type or dosage over time. Also, around 80% of peopleTrusted Source with epilepsy live in lower income countries, where these drugs may be either unavailable or too expensive to buy.
For these and other reasons, some people seek alternative, complementary, and non-drug therapies, such as herbs, supplements, cannabidiol (CBD) products, and essential oils.
However, epilepsy is a complex condition. It is essential to discuss any natural remedies with a doctor before using them, as some options may not be safe or effective for everyone.
In this article, learn more about some of the non-drug options available for managing seizures with epilepsy.
- Cannabis and CBD
Guille Faingold/Stocksy United
Some people use cannabis products to help treat convulsions. Preliminary scientific evidenceTrusted Source suggests that it may help reduce seizures for some people with certain types of epilepsy.
In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source approved Epidiolex, which is a drug containing a cannabis-based ingredient, to treat seizures that stem from two rare and severe genetic conditions: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This is currently the only cannabis-based product with FDA approval, and it is only available with a prescription.
In addition, some anecdotal evidence suggests that some people use cannabis or products containing CBD to help manage their seizures.
However, larger scientific studies have not shown that cannabis and most CBD-based products are effective in treating epilepsy. There is also a risk of serious side effects, including worsening epilepsy or interactions with antiepileptic drugs or other medications.
For this reason, it is essential to speak with a doctor before using these substances. It is also worth bearing in mind that cannabis and CBD are not legal in all states, so people should also check their local regulations before purchasing a product containing either of these substances.
Learn more about using CBD oil for seizures here.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
- Ketogenic diet
There is some evidenceTrusted Source to suggest that a ketogenic, or keto, diet — which is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet — could help prevent seizures in people who do not find antiepileptic drugs effective.
Research suggests that this diet can reduce the frequency of seizures in some people with epilepsy and help them think more clearly.
The diet causes ketosis, which is the chemical breakdown of proteins in the muscles. This suppresses seizure activity.
According to the paper above, people have used this diet since 1921 to help manage epilepsy, and it appears to be successful for people who have epilepsy that is hard to treat, including children. However, it is very restrictive, and most people find it difficult to follow.
Can the keto diet help treat epilepsy? Find out here.
- Herbal remedies
Many people around the world use herbal remedies for epilepsy. They may do this because herbal remedies are easy to obtain or because they cannot access professional healthcare.
The author of a 2021 reviewTrusted Source looked at how ingredients in plants and herbal remedies, such as coumarin and flavonoids, might benefit people with epilepsy.
They considered their effect on:
the balance of neurotransmitters
the prevention of neuroinflammation
oxidative stress
mitochondrial dysfunction
However, there were no studies specifically showing an effect on epilepsy in humans.
Some substances in the various herbs could potentially interact with the body, including:
Salvia miltiorrhiza, or red sage
curcumin, which is present in turmeric
resveratrol, which is an antioxidant present in red grapes and other plants
Acorus tatarinowii, which is an herb used in Chinese medicine
Aniba candelilla, or Kunth, which is also known as precious bark
Uncaria rhynchophylla, or cat’s claw
American ginseng
Silybum marianum, or milk thistle
However, these findings do not mean that taking any of these herbs will cure or treat epilepsy. Far more research is needed to confirm how they work, if they are effective, and whether or not there are any risks.
Currently, there are no known dosage, frequency, or mode of delivery recommendations for using these herbs to reduce seizures in humans.
Herbal remedies containing ingredients that could interact with antiepileptic drugs or make seizures worse include:
schizandra
kava kava
comfrey
St. John’s wort
evening primrose
It is worth remembering that the FDA does not monitor the quality of herbs and supplements, and it does not guarantee their safety for specific conditions. So, people should not use any herbs or supplements for epilepsy without first speaking with a doctor.
Learn more about herbal remedies for anxiety, migraine, and other conditions here.
- Vitamins
There is a lack of research into how supplementing with vitamins might help people with epilepsy.
An older review from 2007 considered the following supplements in relation to epilepsy:
vitamin B6
magnesium
vitamin E
manganese
taurine
dimethylglycine
omega-3 fatty acids
In 2016, some scientists proposed further research into vitamin D3 to help reduce seizures, but more work is still needed.
Some deficiencies may have links with seizures. In the 2007 review, people who had tonic-clonic seizures were more likely to have low magnesium levels than those who did not, and people with very low levels had more severe seizures more frequently. Doctors use magnesium as a treatment for certain neurological conditions.
Some research suggests that people with epilepsy may have lower levels of certain nutrients — such as folic acid, vitamin D, or calcium — as well as higher cholesterol levels. However, there could be various reasons for this, including medication side effects. It does not imply that taking more of those nutrients will reduce seizure frequency.
Instead, it is considered good for a person’s health to have adequate vitamins and other nutrients. If a person is deficient, they may need supplements to reach a healthy level.
Are vitamin supplements safe? Find out here.
- Biofeedback
When antiepileptic drugs do not work, some people use biofeedback therapy to reduce seizures. Biofeedback is a medical technique that helps a person recognize changes in their body. Based on this, they can develop ways to respond that can minimize the chance of experiencing a seizure.
For example, if the person feels a seizure aura — which can occur just before a seizure — they might sit down or go to a safe place. If they have light-induced seizures, they might be able to look away in time to prevent the seizure from happening.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source looked at how 12 sessions of biofeedback spread over 4 weeks affected 40 people with temporal lobe epilepsy whose conditions did not respond to drugs. Overall, their seizures decreased by 43%, and 45% of the participants found that their seizures reduced by 50% or more.
Biofeedback is a noninvasive therapy that shows promise for people with epilepsy, but it needs more research. It involves using a machine that detects electrical activity in the brain, using this information to learn how to recognize the warning signs of seizures, and training the brain to prevent seizures.
- Vagus nerve stimulation
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) involves implanting a device in the chest that sends electrical signals to the brain. It sends well-calibrated, mild, regular electrical signals to the vagus nerve, and these signals calm those that lead to seizures.
The effect of VNS varies widely among people with epilepsy. Some people see a significant improvement, while others do not find that it helps. It usually begins to have effects right after surgery, but it can sometimes take up to 2 years to make a difference. It is also unlikely to stop seizures completely.
According to research from 2020, 50–60%Trusted Source of those who undergo VNS for epilepsy may see a reduction in seizures of about 50% in 2–4 years, and 8% may stop having seizures entirely.
Before starting VNS treatment, a person may need to undergo testing to see if they have the type of seizures that are likely to respond to VNS. This improves the likelihood of the technique being effective.
People can still use antiepileptic drugs with VNS, but they may find that they are able to reduce the dosage.
- Relaxation
For people with epilepsy, stress and anxiety may increase the riskTrusted Source of having a seizure.
Relaxation strategies can help people feel calm, relax the muscles, and improve sleep.
Some relaxation techniques that may help include:
Indian head massage, which is a massage of the head, shoulders, and arms
whole or partial body massage
shiatsu, which involves putting pressure on acupuncture points
reflexology, which focuses on pressure points in the hands and feet
Deep breathing and meditation may also help, but they can affect electrical signals to the brain. People with epilepsy should find a qualified practitioner who can train them appropriately.
Read about five relaxation techniques to try here.
- Acupuncture
As interest grows in neurostimulation therapies for epilepsy, some researchers believe that acupuncture could help.
An acupuncturist inserts very fine needles into specific places on the body. They then leave them there for a few minutes or as long as 30–40 minutes. In theory, this affects the energy channels in the body.
Research suggestsTrusted Source that, for some people, it can improve results on an electroencephalogram and reduce the number of seizures that they experience. Some experts indicate that different types of epilepsy may benefit from different approaches, but more research is needed to establish the most appropriate methods in each case.
- Avoiding triggers
Seizures happenTrusted Source when an imbalance occurs in the levels of neurotransmitters, such as the stimulant glutamate and the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Scientists call the imbalance in these chemicals an electrical paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS). This shift is what causes epileptic activity.
Certain events and activities can trigger such a shift. Knowing their triggers may help people reduce the risk of experiencing a seizure.
Some common triggers include:
a lack of sleep
stress
exposure to flashing lights, 3D films, or virtual reality, for people with photosensitive epilepsy
the use of alcohol or drugs, including medications
not taking medication for epilepsy
Anyone, in theory, can experience a seizure. For example, people without epilepsy can experience febrile seizures, psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, and other types of seizures in response to an infection, stress, a stroke, or a head injury.
However, people with epilepsy have more frequent seizures because they have a higher tendency to experience PDS.
Some seizures can occur with no apparent trigger.
- Education
Knowing about epilepsy can improve quality of life for people who have seizures and their families.
Patient education can helpTrusted Source people with several aspects of the condition, including:
knowing what to expect
understanding why seizures happen and how their treatment works
recognizing and managing triggers
establishing an individual treatment plan by working with healthcare professionals
talking with friends and others about epilepsy and helping reduce stigma in communities
The authors of one studyTrusted Source suggest that, globally, many people still believe that epilepsy is a psychological condition rather than a neurological one. This lack of knowledge can lead to misunderstandings and errors in treatment.
- Essential oils
Some of the ingredients in essential oils can cross the blood-brain barrier, which means that they may be either helpful or harmful, depending on the substance.
Oils that may help
If an essential oil contains ingredients that can help a person sleep or reduce stress, it may help prevent seizures by alleviating certain triggers.
According to a 2019 review, oils from plants belonging to the Cymbopogon family (which includes lemongrass and citronella) and the Acorus family (which includes sweet flag) may have this property.
Lavender may help people relax, is likely safe for people with epilepsy to use, and may also have anticonvulsant properties.
However, these are not a substitute for antiepileptic drugs, and more studies are needed to confirm that they are safe and effective for managing epilepsy. People should always speak with a doctor before using them.
Oils to avoid
Some scientists note that camphor and eucalyptus may trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. For this reason, they warn against using these oils.
Some oils contain a substance called thujone, which can trigger seizures. Such oils include:
sage
hyssop
rosemary
pennyroyal
cedar
thuja
fennel
It is not always possible to know exactly which ingredients an essential oil product contains. Even a pure oil can contain a range of chemicals, not all of which may be beneficial.
It is essential to seek advice from a qualified practitioner who knows about the interaction between essential oils and epilepsy before using any such product and to learn about the most appropriate way of using the oils.
What does aromatherapy involve, and are there any risks? Find out here.
Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.
- Spirituality and faith healing
Around the world, many peopleTrusted Source seek spiritual healing for epilepsy. This includes wearing amulets and visiting faith healers. Reasons for this include a lack of access to professional healthcare, including medication, and a fear of experiencing adverse effects from antiepileptic drugs.
There is some evidence to suggest that yoga, prayer, and other faith-based activities can help reduceTrusted Source stress, which can trigger seizures.
However, epilepsy is a neurological condition with physical causes. For those with access to medical help, faith-based healing can offer a complementary approach, but it is not an alternative to medical treatment.
More work is needed worldwide to bring practical medical help to people with epilepsy in countries where many people have a low income.
- Traditional Chinese medicine
People have used traditional Chinese medicine to treat epilepsy for thousands of years. Such techniques include the use of herbs and supplements and the manipulation of pressure points, such as through acupuncture.
Some experts say that combining specific herbs in particular ways — such as Gastrodia elata and Uncaria rhynchophylla, which people often use together to help treat neurological conditions — may affect the balance of neurotransmitters.
One 2021 reviewTrusted Source notes that many people report improvements in symptoms after using traditional Chinese medicine. However, more studies are needed to confirm how they work and how effective they are.
Anyone who is considering using traditional Chinese medicine as a complementary therapy should speak with a doctor first, as there may be a risk of interactions between drugs.
Do natural treatments for epilepsy work?
For many alternative and natural remedies, there is some research and anecdotal evidence to support their use. However, there are not enough scientific studies to prove that they work.
For those who have access to medical care, it is best to start by visiting a doctor. Two-thirdsTrusted Source of people find that treatment with antiepileptic drugs reduces the frequency and severity of their symptoms.
Those who are keen to try natural and alternative remedies should speak with a doctor about the options to check that they are safe to use. Epilepsy is a complex condition, and there are many types. The doctor can help make a plan that suits the individual.
Is there a cure for epilepsy?
There is currently no cureTrusted Source for most types of epilepsy. However, several treatment methods exist to help manage the condition.
Learn more about the types of epilepsy and their treatment methods here.
Is it possible to prevent epilepsy?
Epilepsy can occur for many reasons, some of which are genetic. However, epilepsy can also develop following a head injury and some types of infections.
Although it is not always possible to prevent epilepsy, the CDCTrusted Source advises doing the following to help reduce the risk:
taking care to avoid traumatic brain injury, such as by wearing protective headgear when cycling or playing contact sports
starting to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke early in life, such as through regular exercise
following the recommended vaccination schedules to prevent infections that may increase the risk of epilepsy
following hand-washing guidelines to reduce the risk of cysticercosis, which is a parasitic infection that can result in epilepsy
following all guidelines for staying healthy during pregnancy to prevent the risk to a fetus
Summary
Around the world, complementary, alternative, and non-drug remedies for epilepsy range from learning as much as possible about the condition to herbal remedies and faith healing.
Some of these have research to support their use, but others may not be effective. Some, such as misusing herbal remedies, may even be dangerous.
Most importantly, people should always talk with a doctor before trying natural treatments to help ease their symptoms.