My 4 year old daughter was just dx on Friday with Aypical Generalized Absence Seizures. Our ped. neuro wants to start her on Depakote sprinkles, well as of friday but we have still not filled the script b/c are not sure that is the right thing for her. We live a somewhat holistic lifestyle and try not to take medication unless absolutely necessary. My children eat well, exercise, take daily vitamines and receive chiropratic care to maintain their well being. This dx has thrown me for a loop and I must say after researching all the meds he would recommend I am scared to death. The more I read about Depakote and patient complaints, I can not imagine giving this to my child.
What I would prefer to do since I still have so much control over her daily activities it try a alternative treatment (herbal, diet). I have read about Epi-Still and have read some sucess stories. Have you or anyone you know tried it, was there any sucess or side effects. Also I was thinking about altering her diet or maybe following the MAD or LGI (low glycemic index) diet.
Dr. wants to start her on 250mg a day and work up to 500mg. Is this considered a low, moderate or high dose?
My daughter has about 3-10 episodes a day (depending on her activity level and if she has gotten enough rest), none lasting more than 15-30 seconds. She has no knowledge of them and comes out of the quickly with no confusion. Is the number of daily edpisodes considered high for these types of seziures?
Please help, I am new to all this and have been a wreak all weekend trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. Already had EEG and suppose to go for MRI on wednesday. I have some medical education but right now I feel like an idiot. Trying to educate myself but there is just so much information.
Thanks,
Jennifer
Absence seizures
Hi Jennifer,
I hope I can help you and offer some advice. I have not heard of anyone using Epi-still. Many years ago I used some essential oils and a huge liquid herb regime from a herbalist. It did not work for me. I have heard though there are better essential oils that can raise the hertz level effectively. It would not hurt to try them.
I agree not to do the medications if you can avoid it because in some cases, different seizure types can be experienced. Try dietary changes first. many parents have had great success with a gluten free diet - no wheat or sugar. Others use the Gard diet or the modified atkins. I know that the scrict ketogenic diet is very effective with absence seizures but more work. It is what worked for us.
Listen to the podcasts I did on the ketogenic diet. There are three of them and very rewarding to listen to.
If you do try the Epi-still - let me know how it works.
Warmly,
Arlene Martell (Mom of Adam above)
Publisher, EpilepsyMoms.com
Didn't like Depakote
We tried it for two to three weeks and it seemed to make daughter more agitated and lethargic. We stopped using it. I would take Arlene's advice adn try Ketogenic. I just about Epi-still. We probably would've tried it if we knew about it beforehand.