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Questions & Answers
I have had epilepsy since I was twelve (I'm now 58). I was diagnosed with Haemochromotosis (iron overload) in 1992. I have read somewhere that there might be a connection bewteen Haemochromotosis and epilepsy, but my current doctor is denying that there could be any connection. Haemochromotosis is usually genetic, but can also be 'aquired'. Nobody in my family has Haemochromotosis but myself. It makes me wonder if the medications I have been on for decades (dilantin and phenobarb) have possibly caused an iron build up which has resulted in Haemochromotosis. Do you know if there is any connection between the two disorders?
There may in fact be a connection between Haemochromotosis and epilepsy, however, we are unable to find any research articles which suggest that anti-epileptic drugs are a cause of Haemochromotosis. One research article which identified a connection between the two, observed that compared to non-epileptics, epileptics were more likely to have iron accumulation. With regards to anti-epileptic medication, this article suggests that some anti-epileptic medication including phenytoin (Dilantin) may act as an iron-chelator, removing iron rather than allowing it to accumulate; another study of anti-epileptic medications phenytoin, phenobarbital and primidone showed no cause of iron accumulation.
This article instead suggests that a 'pre-existing' condition of Haemochromotosis may help contribute to the development of epilepsy (and not vice-versa). This occurs since iron forms free radicals which can cause damage to brain cells. This information is further supported by the Iron Disorder Institute which acknowledges that if untreated, iron accumulation in the brain may lead to neurodegenerative diseases including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's etc. The condition is also difficult to detect, sometimes taking up to 25-30 years before any damage is noted. We are also unable to find any information indicating that this condition can be acquired rather than inherited; it may be useful to have genetic tests performed if you haven't already done so before ruling out this possibility. Although there might be no known genetic family history of the disease, it sometimes takes two unsuspecting carriers before the condition manifests itself.
Sources:
jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/70/4/551
www.irondisorders.org/Disorders/Hemochromatosis.asp
My thirteen year-old son was diagnosed with epilepsy. His seizures are at night during sleep. I am trying treatment with herbs and some other supplements and I am not giving him an AEDs. As far as I can see there is improvement, but he still has seizures about once a month. I've read about the risk of SUDE P and I would like to know if I am putting him at greater risk of SUDEP by not giving him conventional medication. Thank you.
Currently, the only approved therapies for seizures are those prescribed by a physician; there are no clinical studies to suggest that alternative therapies would provide the same benefits as AEDs. Although there is usually no harm associated with trying alternative therapies, they should only be used in conjunction with conventional anti-epileptic medication. There are more risks associated with not taking anti-epileptic medication compared to the side-effects that may be associated with AEDs; these side-effects usually disappear within a few weeks. Depending on the severity of seizures, if proper treatment is not received, this can lead to multiple/severe seizures and an increased risk of SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death of Epileptic Patients). Under no circumstances should epilepsy be treated without first consulting with a qualified physician. Consult with a physician to discuss the types of treatments available that may be beneficial to your son, and possible drug interactions these may have with alternative therapies.
We hope you found this information useful, please feel free to contact us again if you have any further questions or comments.
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