Seizure disorders are diagnosed when a person suffers recurring seizures. A seizure is a kind of electrical storm in the brain which may cause a range of symptoms including a loss of consciousness, convulsions, shaking or sensory hallucinations.A pattern of recurring seizures over time is usually diagnosed as one of the several types of epilepsy. In certain cases, brain exercises may be used as a complementary therapy in seizure or epilepsy treatment.
Types
Brain exercises are different kinds of mental activities which can enhance memory or attention span. Crosswords and puzzles such as the number grids in Sudoku are some of the most common brain exercises used by people of all ages. A number of specific brain fitness or "brain gym" programs are commercially available: Medical News Today reports that one study using a computer-generated series of brain exercises increased older adults' processing speed by an average of 131 percent.
Function
If you suffer from seizures, they may have a negative effect upon your memory and other brain functions. Memory loss is relatively common both during and after a seizure, and brain exercises may help memory recovery or prevent additional memory loss due to the seizure disorder. Brain exercises work on the concept of brain plasticity---the ability of the brain to respond to positive stimulation with the creation of new neural pathways. Writing in September 2010 for "Discovery News," Emily Sohn reports that brain exercises such as reading or completing crossword puzzles may keep your brain functioning well, even if you have a disease which affects your brain.
Expert Insight
A 2009 article in "Progress in Brain Research" reports that memory loss is caused by abnormal functioning of the brain's medial temporal lobe in cases of the seizure disorder known as temporal lobe epilepsy. This study notes that memory loss may be caused by seizure activity in the temporal lobe; additionally, some people with epilepsy encounter memory loss caused by anti-epileptic drugs. Brain exercises can combat memory loss arising both from seizures and from anti-seizure medications, or as part of the recovery process when a seizure disorder has necessitated brain surgery.
Considerations
At present, there is no consensus among scientists regarding the type of exercises which are beneficial to your brain, or the frequency with which exercises should be performed. Typically, optimum brain health can be achieved with an overall healthy lifestyle including regular physical exercise, which influences neuron creation in the brain. Mental exercise such as mental arithmetic---another brain exercise---and management of stress are also important for brain health. Increased stress levels can decrease brain health and may lead to an increase in seizure activity. Good nutrition is also important for brain health.
Warning
Brain exercises are a form of complementary therapy, and should not be considered as an alternative or replacement for conventional medical treatment of seizure disorders and epilepsy. Neurological conditions manifest very differently in specific individuals, and for this reason it is vital to follow the medical advice of your doctor or neurologist. The most common mode of treatment for seizures is a regime of anti-epileptic medications, which can only be taken under medical supervision and control. Additionally, Sohn reported in her "Discovery News" article that brain exercises may actually speed up mental decline in patients suffering from dementia.
