I had a seizure when I was six, 19 now. They had to remove the blood vessel. I took med's for a year (Carbamazepine/Tegretol). They said I had had 3 seizures before hand but no one noticed them. When I was six they said I still had some.
My mom was 39 when she died of an Aneurysm (AVM's too). Though they said it was triggered by her poor health. Her cholesterol was over 1000 and she had high blood pressure. She felt sick that day and I had a full blown seizure.
When I was pregnant I was considered high risk because of my history. They didn't want my blood pressure to increase severally and cause an Aneurysm. I believe they did a MRI while I was pregnant but they only saw a few small black spots.
They didn't do a CT scan because they didn't want to hurt my baby.
Should they allow my son and me to get a CT scan every few years?
Reason being a doctor told me I should not worry about it. I don't think it is nothing to worry about being I had one bleed and my mom having them too. You bring up a number of very good points.
First, with your personal history and your family history of AVMs, you might want to look into talking to a genetic counselor and possibly getting screened for a genetic syndrome called hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT-1, HHT-2).
If you have this gene, you might want to get your child screened as well, but the counselor will guide you through this.
Also, it is a concern that your mother had such a high cholesterol. Have you had yours checked as well?
The second question, how should you be screened for AVMs: an MRI with and without gadolinium is recommended.
How often should you be screened? Once early in life and once as an adult, if it is normal. Most brain AVMs are thought to be congenital (present at birth).
Finally, while my greatest hope that everything is all right for you and your child, I think you are on the right track to ask the questions you are asking. Best, Wlitan Hi Heidi
Here are some ideas to heal the issue.
Cause
Nutrient deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and stress can all contribute to epileptic seizures and must be screened for and addressed as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Proper bowel movements two to three times a day are also important.
Consider a bowel cleanses to restore healthy bowel function.
Pioneering holistic dentist Hal Huggins, D.D.S., has noted the improvement, and in some cases the complete disappearance of epilepsy symptoms after removing toxic dental amalgams. If you have such amalgams in your mouth, consider having them replaced by someone properly trained in Holistic Dentistry.
Caution: If the individual's seizure does not stop within 5-10 minutes, seek immediate medical assistance. At the same time, be sure not to over-drug the patient, as medical drugs can actually trigger epilepsy/seizures due to their potential side effects.
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Natural Cures
Diet: Individuals affected by epilepsy should eat a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, and eliminate fried foods, salt, sugar, meat, milk, and alcohol. For long-term care, they should follow a hypoglycemic diet (see Hypoglycemia), being sure to avoid artificial sweeteners, excessive refined carbohydrates, and caffeine. For epilepsy accompanied by sluggish bowels or constipation, also ensure that the diet is rich with fibrous foods. And so a colon cleanse.
Herbs: For petit mal epilepsy, take one teaspoon of skullcap tincture three times a day.
Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. I suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments.
Juice Therapy: Drink a combination of celery, carrot, and lettuce juice three times a day.
Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can help minimize symptoms of epilepsy: L-taurine and L-tyrosine amino acids (500 mg three times daily) along with an amino acid blend (two times daily); vitamin B complex and vitamins B3 (niacin), B5, B6 and B12; calcium; choline (start with 4 g daily and increase to 10-12 g within three months); dimethyl glycine (100 mg two times daily); magnesium; manganese; and zinc. Vitamin B complex injected intramuscularly may also be helpful.
Note: Sometimes essential fatty acids aggravate symptoms, so consult with a nutritional expert to determine if this is the case.
Alternative Professional Care
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating and relieving the symptoms of epilepsy: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Biofeedback Training, Bodywork, Chiropractic, Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Medicine, Holistic Dentistry, Hypnotherapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Meditation, Mind/Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Reflexology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga
Best of health to you I am not a expert in this area but its a very good question that needs to be answered I would talk with your Dr's. and see if this needs to be done. Your concerns are valid. take care sweetie. |