Epilepsy in Children: Ayurvedic Perspective

Epilepsy or seizures result from excessive abnormal neuronal activity in the brain. Epilepsy has been classified based on different characteristics, including the site of onset, nature of consciousness, age of onset and aetiolo-gy. Understanding epilepsy in the Ayurvedic view, including its aetiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features, is essential for reversing its pathogenesis and for effective treatment. In this article, an attempt was made to ana-lyse the classical literature in Ayurveda and synthesise the relevant information. The concept of epilepsy has been clearly explained under the term apasmara in all the Brihat Trayees. Additionally, there are references from other diseases in which seizures are an associated feature. A comprehensive understanding of the concepts described in Ayurveda will definitely help improve current knowledge of epilepsy.