The optimal acupoint for acupuncture stimulation as a complementary therapy in pediatric epilepsy

Use of complementary and alternative medicine among adults with epilepsy in a university epilepsy clinic in Poland

INTRODUCTION

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is becoming increasingly prevalent both in general population and patients with chronic diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, reasons, and factors influencing the use of CAM in Polish patients with epilepsy (PWE).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective study involved PWE treated in a university epilepsy clinic. Data on epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, level of education, vocational activity, and patterns of CAM were collected from a structured interview and from medical records.

RESULTS

The sample population consisted of 473 PWE (mean age: 35.3 years); 220 (46.5%) were females, and 228 (46.5%) were in remission. Overall 26.8% (127) of the cohort used at least one type of CAM. The CAM modalities most frequently used were herbal and dietary supplements (32.3%), energy healing (31.5%), and marijuana (27.6%). The internet was the most common source of information on CAM (45.7%). In one-third of subjects, CAM usage affected negatively compliance to standard treatment. Logistic regression analysis revealed several independent risk factors for CAM use in PWE: younger age, longer duration of epilepsy, lack of remission, and lower level of education.

CONCLUSION

A significant proportion of PWE uses CAM, and its usage may affect negatively compliance to standard treatment. Our findings highlight poor communication between patients and physicians with regard to CAM use. Healthcare professionalists should routinely check for CAM utilization in PWE to prevent potential harm related to its use.

Auricular electroacupuncture reduced inflammation-related epilepsy accompanied by altered TRPA1, pPKCα, pPKCε, and pERk1/2 signaling pathways in kainic acid-treated rats

Background. Inflammation is often considered to play a crucial role in epilepsy by affecting iron status and metabolism. In this study, we investigated the curative effect of auricular acupuncture and somatic acupuncture on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epilepsy in rats. Methods. We established an epileptic seizure model in rats by KA (12 mg, ip). The 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) was applied at auricular and applied at Zusanli and Shangjuxu (ST36-ST37) acupoints for 20 min for 3 days/week for 6 weeks beginning on the day following the KA injection. Results. The electrophysiological results indicated that neuron overexcitation occurred in the KA-treated rats. This phenomenon could be reversed among either the auricular EA or ST36-ST37 EA treatment, but not in the sham-control rats. The Western blot results revealed that TRPA1, but not TRPV4, was upregulated by injecting KA and could be attenuated by administering auricular or ST36-ST37 EA, but not in the sham group. In addition, potentiation of TRPA1 was accompanied by increased PKCα and reduced PKCε. Furthermore, pERK1/2, which is indicated in inflammation, was also increased by KA. Furthermore, the aforementioned mechanisms could be reversed by administering auricular EA and could be partially reversed by ST36-ST37 EA. Conclusions. These results indicate a novel mechanism for treating inflammation-associated epilepsy and can be translated into clinical therapy.