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Advanced Neurology Epilepsy after traumatic brain injuries

and make neurosurgical procedures more difficult. 9.3. Bacopa monnieri
Patients on anticoagulant medication who suffer from As an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine,
neurotrauma are more likely to develop progressive B. monnieri has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.
hemorrhagic damage, which can lead to worse functional It helps in enhancing cognitive function and is beneficial in
results and an extended recovery period. Disruption of managing PTE. Its antioxidant properties help to mitigate
coagulation pathways can complicate cognitive and motor the oxidative stress caused by brain injury, reducing the
recovery in TBI patients by causing prolonged edema, risk of seizure activity. 90
oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. PTE is a chronic
neurotraumatic effect that is typified by repeated seizures 9.4. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
after a brain injury. Furthermore, drug-drug interactions
between anticoagulants and AEDs in TBI patients require Withania somnifera is widely used in traditional
careful monitoring due to possible pharmacokinetic and medicine. It has adaptogenic properties and has potential
pharmacodynamic interactions. Due to factors such as in reducing seizure activity by modulating the brain’s
neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and BBB dysfunction, neurotransmitter systems. Its anti-inflammatory and
the use of anticoagulants and platelet inhibitors in TBI neuroprotective effects are critical in preventing neuronal
patients poses serious risks of deteriorating neurotrauma damage after TBI. 91
outcomes and promoting the development of PTE. 9.5. Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower)
Furthermore, for optimum safety and effectiveness in
treating both thrombotic and epileptic risks, frequent Passionflower is a well-known traditional remedy used to
therapeutic monitoring is required due to drug-drug calm the nervous system and reduce seizure frequency.
interactions between anticoagulants and AEDs. 74 Research indicates that it may possess anticonvulsant
effects, which help reduce post-traumatic seizures and
9. Traditional therapeutic approaches on improve brain health. 92
epilepsy during TBI
9.6. Traditional healing practices
TBI is a significant risk factor for the development
of epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by Apart from herbal treatments, various traditional practices
recurrent seizures. PTE often arises following TBI, leading have been used to manage epilepsy and associated
to long-term complications and affecting the quality of symptoms. These practices often focus on restoring balance
life of affected individuals. While modern pharmaceutical within the body, mind, and spirit, which is a common
treatments like AEDs play a key role in managing epilepsy, principle in many traditional medicine systems. 93
75
there is growing interest in complementary and alternative 9.7. Ayurveda
medicine approaches, particularly traditional therapeutic
methods. High-quality clinical trials of traditional drugs, Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine
which have been used for centuries to treat various emphasizing restoration of balance between the body’s
ailments, including epilepsy, have been conducted to three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). In the case of
76
evaluate their pharmacological effect (Table 3). epilepsy following TBI, Ayurvedic treatments focus on
calming the Vata dosha, which is associated with nerve-
9.1. Herbal remedies in epilepsy management related disorders. Herbs like brahmi (B. monnieri) and
Traditional herbal remedies have been widely employed jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) are commonly used to
in many cultures for their potential neuroprotective and reduce anxiety and prevent seizures. 94
antiepileptic properties. Various plants and their extracts 9.8. Traditional Chinese medicine
are believed to have capacity to alleviate symptoms of
epilepsy and promote brain health. 88 In traditional Chinese medicine, epilepsy is often
seen as an imbalance in the liver and kidney energies.
9.2. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) Acupuncture and herbal therapies are commonly
Known for its calming effects, valerian root has been used to restore the flow of energy (qi) and correct this
used in traditional medicine to manage nervous system imbalance. Herbs like Gastrodia elata and Uncaria
disorders, including epilepsy. Studies suggest that valerian rhynchophylla have been used for centuries to treat
possesses anticonvulsant activity, possibly due to its neurological disorders, including epilepsy, by improving
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic effects, which help blood circulation and reducing inflammation in the
to stabilize neuronal activity and prevent seizures. 89 brain. 95

Volume 4 Issue 4 (2025) 9 doi: 10.36922/an.8356