Epilepsy

Why it works: Stabilizes neuronal membranes & reduces excitability. Long-chain omega-3s incorporate into neuronal phospholipid membranes, improving fluidity and modulating voltage-gated ion chan...

Instructions: Form & quality. • Choose a reputable fish-oil (EPA/DHA) or algal-oil product with third-party testing (e.g., USP or IFOS) to minimize oxidation and contaminants. General omega-3 su...

Warnings: Do not replace prescribed ASMs. Omega-3s are an adjunct; stopping or reducing ASMs can precipitate s...

Studies: Systematic reviews / meta-analyses2025 meta-analysis of RCTs...

Why it works: Physiology/mechanism. Magnesium blocks the NMDA-type glutamate receptor channel and helps stabilize neuronal membranes; low magnesium (hypomagnesemia) increases neuronal excitabili...

Instructions: Eclampsia (pregnancy/post-partum): Hospital protocol (ACOG-style). • Load: 4–6 g MgSO₄ IV over 20–30 min. • Maintenance: 1–2 g/h IV infusion for 24 h postpartum; give an extra 2–4...

Warnings: Not a routine antiseizure medication. Do not substitute magnesium for guideline-recommended antiseiz...

Studies: Strong, guideline-level evidence (specific condition):Eclamp...

Why it works: How it works (best current understanding): CBD doesn’t act like typical anti-seizure drugs and it doesn’t meaningfully activate CB1 “cannabis” receptors. Converging preclinical and...

Instructions: Who it’s for (on-label): adjunctive treatment of seizures in Dravet syndrome (DS), Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS), and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) (age ≥1 year). (In Australia:...

Warnings: Common adverse effects: Somnolence/sedation, decreased appetite/weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, fat...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (pivotal...

Why it works: Proposed mechanism (mostly preclinical): Extracts of P. incarnata contain flavonoids (e.g., chrysin, vitexin, isovitexin) that appear to modulate the GABA system, which is the same...

Instructions: There’s no established, evidence-based dosing for epilepsy. Authoritative regulators only recognize passionflower for short-term relief of mild stress/anxiety and to aid sleep, not...

Warnings: Sedation & CNS depression: May cause drowsiness/dizziness; can add to sedative effects of benzodiaze...

Studies: Preclinical evidence: Several mouse studies (PTZ and other m...

Why it works: Comorbidity target (depression in epilepsy): In a pilocarpine-kindled rat model of “epilepsy with depression,” CHSGS improved depressive-like behavior and up-regulated hippocampal...

Instructions: Formula & preparation. • Classic 7-herb composition (proportions vary slightly by source):. • Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Tangerine peel (Chen Pi), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Cy...

Warnings: Because CSS is a combination product, screen for herb-specific risks and drug–herb interactions, esp...

Studies: Animal / preclinicalEpilepsy + depression model (rats): CSS...

Why it works: TCM rationale. In traditional theory, many seizure patterns are attributed to phlegm obstructing the clear orifices with internal wind stirring; Dingxian Wan is designed to “resolv...

Instructions: Pattern first. In TCM practice, Dingxian Wan is considered when the patient’s pattern matches “wind-phlegm obstructing the orifices” (e.g., greasy tongue coat; wiry/slippery pulse;...

Warnings: Cinnabar (Zhu Sha, mercury sulfide) in historical formulas. • Many classic recipes coat pills with c...

Studies: Preclinical (animal/cell) studies on Dingxian Wan itselfPTZ-...

Why it works: TCM rationale. • Tianma Gouteng Yin was created to calm Liver yang, extinguish internal wind, clear heat, invigorate blood, and nourish Liver–Kidney—a pattern often associated in T...

Instructions: Classical composition & preparation (decoction). • Typical ingredients & weights (classical ranges): Tian Ma 9 g; Gou Teng 12–15 g; Shi Jue Ming (abalone shell) 18–24 g; Zhi Zi 9 g...

Warnings: Do not stop or reduce prescribed antiepileptic drugs (e.g., valproate, carbamazepine, levetiracetam)...

Studies: For the exact formula (Tianma Gouteng Yin) in epilepsyHigh-q...