Use of CAM among Midwest epilepsy patients

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is commonly used by patients, yet there have been few studies regarding the scope of CAM and patients with epilepsy. This study assessed usage and perceptions of CAM by epilepsy patients in the Midwest. A survey of 25 items was administered to adult patients with epilepsy, with data collected from 228 patients. The survey collected information including demographics, specific CAM usage, adverse effects from CAM therapy, and perceptions on the effectiveness of CAM. Thirty-nine percent (39%) reported using CAM; 25% reported using CAM specifically for their epilepsy. Prayer/spirituality was the most commonly used CAM (46%), followed by “mega” vitamins (25%), chiropractic care (24%), and stress management (16%). CAM use is common among Midwest epilepsy patients, although the pattern of use may be slightly different from other regions in the United States and elsewhere.