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Epilepsy
Is an Epilepsy diagnosis for life?
Understanding Epilepsy
Epileptic is a label used to describe people who experience neurological disorders which manifest as frequent epileptic seizures. These seizures can vary in duration, frequency, and intensity, and can often result in further bodily harm. It is a condition that makes day-to-day life quite difficult.
That being said, Epilepsy is not a diagnosis. It is a description of symptoms. The root cause of these seizures is abnormal brain activity in the cerebral cortex. This excessive activity is at the heart of the problems faced by children labeled as epileptic.
It is often assumed that Epilepsy is untreatable. This is not the case.
Recovering from Epilepsy
An injured brain is akin to an immature brain and seizures can occur periodically. Like vomiting (also a life-protecting mechanism), seizures are often unexpected and frightening. But since seizures are a life-protecting mechanism it is unwise to try to suppress this mechanism unless there is a life-threatening event. Instead, we must discover why the brain is calling for this drastic solution and supply the oxygen or glucose needed. If we do so, the need for the seizure will be met.
The ultimate solution is brain maturation.
Every action taken to help the brain to mature will lessen the likelihood of a seizure. Brain maturation depends upon stimulation and opportunity. When these are provided with the appropriate frequency, intensity and duration the brain will respond and seizures will decrease or stop.
At The Institutes medical issues, including the decrease or elimination of medication, are supervised by the primary care physician of each child. The medical staff of The Institutes provide advice and support based upon many decades of caring for brain-injured children. No parent should take this journey without the support of their primary care physician.
Myths & Facts
Myths
- Epileptics are incurable
- Epileptics will almost always require surgery
- Epileptics are less capable than other children
Facts
- They have neurological problems and can develop like other children.
- They can live a normal life.
- They are intelligent.
Epilepsy Success Stories
Parents from around the world have helped their children diagnosed with epilepsy, or who have seizures, to move along the path to wellness. Using the programs developed by The Institutes, children diagnosed with epilepsy or who have seizures have been able to improve function and, in many cases, perform at peer level-and above.
Anwar – Age 3
“If we were to give advice to parents who are on The Institutes program we would tell them to be patient and stay strong. This is not an easy program...it takes great determination and persistence, but this program is the best thing that has happened to us.”
Matilde – Age 5
For her first month, Matilde had breathing and feeding problems that concerned her parents. Parents were told Matilde would never be well...but they refused to give up.
Dennis – Age 7
At 11 months, Dennis was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy, severe developmental delay and epilepsy. His outlook was difficult. But at the age 5, his parents brought him to The Institutes to seek a path to wellness.
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