Editing Epilepsy (section)

=== Adjunctive and complementary therapies ===
There is moderate-quality evidence supporting the use of psychological interventions — such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, and self-management training — alongside standard treatment.<ref name="CD012081">{{cite journal |vauthors=Michaelis R, Tang V, Wagner JL, Modi AC, LaFrance WC, Goldstein LH, Lundgren T, Reuber M |date=October 2017 |title=Psychological treatments for people with epilepsy |journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |volume=10 |issue=10 |pages=CD012081 |doi=10.1002/14651858.CD012081.pub2 |pmc=6485515 |pmid=29078005}}</ref> These approaches may improve quality of life, emotional wellbeing, and treatment adherence; however, evidences targeting seizure control are uncertain.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Li |first=Dongxu |last2=Song |first2=Yuqi |last3=Zhang |first3=Shuyu |last4=Qiu |first4=Juan |last5=Zhang |first5=Rui |last6=Wu |first6=Jiayi |last7=Wu |first7=Ziyan |last8=Wei |first8=Junwen |last9=Xiang |first9=Xuefeng |last10=Zhang |first10=Yue |last11=Yu |first11=Liangdong |last12=Wang |first12=Honghan |last13=Niu |first13=Ping |last14=Fan |first14=Chuan |last15=Li |first15=Xiaoming |date=2023-01-01 |title=Cognitive behavior therapy for depression in people with epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1525505022005054 |journal=Epilepsy & Behavior |volume=138 |pages=109056 |doi=10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.109056 |issn=1525-5050}}</ref> Avoidance therapy consists of minimizing or eliminating triggers. For example, those who are sensitive to light may have success with using a small television, avoiding video games, or wearing dark glasses.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Verrotti A, Tocco AM, Salladini C, Latini G, Chiarelli F |date=November 2005 |title=Human photosensitivity: from pathophysiology to treatment |journal=European Journal of Neurology |volume=12 |issue=11 |pages=828–841 |doi=10.1111/j.1468-1331.2005.01085.x |pmid=16241971}}</ref> [[Biofeedback]], particularly EEG-based operant conditioning, has shown preliminary benefit in some people with drug-resistant epilepsy.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Tan G, Thornby J, Hammond DC, Strehl U, Canady B, Arnemann K, Kaiser DA |date=July 2009 |title=Meta-analysis of EEG biofeedback in treating epilepsy |journal=Clinical EEG and Neuroscience |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=173–179 |doi=10.1177/155005940904000310 |pmid=19715180}}</ref> However, these methods are considered adjunctive and are not recommended as standalone treatments.

[[Cannabidiol]] (CBD) has shown benefit as an add-on therapy in certain severe childhood epilepsies. A purified form of CBD was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2018 and by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2020 for the treatment of Dravet syndrome, Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Stockings E, Zagic D, Campbell G, Weier M, Hall WD, Nielsen S, Herkes GK, Farrell M, Degenhardt L |date=July 2018 |title=Evidence for cannabis and cannabinoids for epilepsy: a systematic review of controlled and observational evidence |journal=Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry |volume=89 |issue=7 |pages=741–753 |doi=10.1136/jnnp-2017-317168 |pmid=29511052 |doi-access=free |hdl-access=free |hdl=1959.4/unsworks_50076}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |title=Cannabis derivative may reduce seizures in some severe drug-resistant epilepsies, but adverse events increase |date=26 June 2018 |doi=10.3310/signal-000606}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=25 June 2018 |title=Press Announcements - FDA approves first drug {{sic|comprised |hide=y|of}} an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy |url=https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm611046.htm |access-date=4 October 2018 |website=www.fda.gov |language=en}}</ref>

Regular [[physical activity]] is generally considered safe and may have beneficial effects on seizure frequency, mood, and overall wellbeing.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Arida RM, Scorza FA, Scorza CA, Cavalheiro EA |date=March 2009 |title=Is physical activity beneficial for recovery in temporal lobe epilepsy? Evidences from animal studies |journal=Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews |volume=33 |issue=3 |pages=422–431 |doi=10.1016/j.neubiorev.2008.11.002 |pmid=19059282}}</ref> While evidence remains limited, some studies suggest that moderate exercise can reduce seizure burden in certain individuals.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Arida RM, Cavalheiro EA, da Silva AC, Scorza FA |year=2008 |title=Physical activity and epilepsy: proven and predicted benefits |journal=Sports Medicine |volume=38 |issue=7 |pages=607–615 |doi=10.2165/00007256-200838070-00006 |pmid=18557661}}</ref> Seizure response dogs have been trained to assist individuals during or after seizures by providing physical support or alerting others.<ref name="eddivito2010">{{cite journal |vauthors=Di Vito L, Naldi I, Mostacci B, Licchetta L, Bisulli F, Tinuper P |date=June 2010 |title=A seizure response dog: video recording of reacting behaviour during repetitive prolonged seizures |journal=Epileptic Disorders |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=142–145 |doi=10.1684/epd.2010.0313 |pmid=20472528}}</ref><ref name="ebkirton2008">{{cite journal |vauthors=Kirton A, Winter A, Wirrell E, Snead OC |date=October 2008 |title=Seizure response dogs: evaluation of a formal training program |journal=Epilepsy & Behavior |volume=13 |issue=3 |pages=499–504 |doi=10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.05.011 |pmid=18595778}}</ref> Although anecdotal reports claim that some dogs can anticipate seizures, there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting the consistent ability of dogs to predict seizures before they occur.<ref name="Doh2007">{{cite journal |vauthors=Doherty MJ, Haltiner AM |date=January 2007 |title=Wag the dog: skepticism on seizure alert canines |journal=Neurology |volume=68 |issue=4 |pages=309 |doi=10.1212/01.wnl.0000252369.82956.a3 |pmid=17242343}}</ref>

Various forms of alternative medicine, including [[acupuncture]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Cheuk DK, Wong V | title = Acupuncture for epilepsy | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2014 | issue = 5 | pages = CD005062 | date = May 2014 | pmid = 24801225 | pmc = 10105317 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD005062.pub4 }}</ref> routine [[vitamins]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ranganathan LN, Ramaratnam S | title = Vitamins for epilepsy | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | issue = 2 | pages = CD004304 | date = April 2005 | pmid = 15846704 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD004304.pub2 }}</ref> and [[yoga]],<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Panebianco M, Sridharan K, Ramaratnam S | title = Yoga for epilepsy | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2017 | issue = 10 | pages = CD001524 | date = October 2017 | pmid = 28982217 | pmc = 6485327 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD001524.pub3 }}</ref> have no reliable [[Evidence-based medicine|evidence]] to support their use in epilepsy. [[Melatonin]], {{as of|2016|lc=y}}, is insufficiently supported by evidence.<ref name=Brigo2016>{{cite journal | vauthors = Brigo F, Igwe SC, Del Felice A | title = Melatonin as add-on treatment for epilepsy | journal = The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews | volume = 2016 | issue = 8 | pages = CD006967 | date = August 2016 | pmid = 27513702 | pmc = 7386917 | doi = 10.1002/14651858.CD006967.pub4 }}</ref> The trials were of poor methodological quality and it was not possible to draw any definitive conclusions.<ref name=Brigo2016 />