Integrative and Functional Medicine Approaches to Treatment-Resistant Focal Seizures San Antonio
- John Kim
- Dec 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Introduction
Treatment-resistant epilepsy, defined as the persistence of seizures despite adequate trials of at least two appropriately selected antiepileptic drugs, affects approximately one-third of individuals with epilepsy. Focal seizures, which originate from a specific brain region, are a common subtype and often present significant management challenges. Functional and integrative medicine frameworks emphasize individualized interventions that address potential underlying contributors such as inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors. These approaches are intended to complement conventional pharmacotherapy and are supported by varying levels of evidence. This review outlines key integrative strategies, including dietary therapies, nutritional supplementation, mind-body practices, and other complementary modalities.
Dietary Interventions
The ketogenic diet and its variants, including the modified Atkins diet and low glycemic index treatment, represent the most well-supported non-pharmacologic interventions for drug-resistant epilepsy, including focal seizures. These dietary approaches induce ketosis, which may stabilize neuronal excitability through anti-inflammatory mechanisms and modulation of neurotransmitter balance. A Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials demonstrated improved seizure outcomes, including seizure freedom and reductions of at least 50 percent in seizure frequency, compared with usual care in both pediatric and adult populations.
Nutritional Supplementation
Functional medicine approaches often focus on identifying and correcting nutrient deficiencies that may contribute to seizure susceptibility. Functional medicine labs provide for an opportunity to explore root causes and then address the root causes.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, and meta-analyses suggest they may modestly reduce seizure frequency in individuals with epilepsy. Magnesium has been explored for its role in neuronal membrane stabilization, although current evidence remains largely theoretical and preliminary. Vitamin D deficiency is common among epilepsy patients, in part due to antiepileptic drug effects on metabolism, and correction may improve seizure control and quality of life. Cannabidiol, particularly pharmaceutical-grade formulations, has demonstrated efficacy as an adjunctive therapy in refractory focal epilepsy, with evidence supporting meaningful reductions in seizure burden. All supplementation strategies should be guided by laboratory assessment and clinical oversight to minimize risk and drug interactions.
Lifestyle and Mind-Body Practices
Stress is a well-recognized seizure precipitant, supporting the integration of stress-modulating interventions into comprehensive epilepsy care. Yoga and meditation have been associated with reductions in seizure frequency and improvements in quality of life, likely mediated through autonomic nervous system regulation and stress reduction. Acupuncture, when used as an adjunct to conventional treatment, has shown potential benefit in reducing seizure frequency, possibly through effects on thalamic signaling and neuroinflammatory pathways. These modalities are generally low risk when appropriately implemented.
Other Complementary Approaches
Additional holistic strategies, including selected herbal therapies, have been explored in epilepsy care, though high-quality evidence remains limited. Integrative treatment plans emphasize safety and careful evaluation of potential interactions with antiepileptic medications, prioritizing approaches with the most favorable risk-benefit profiles.
Conclusion
Integrative and functional medicine strategies may offer valuable adjunctive options for individuals with treatment-resistant focal seizures, particularly when conventional therapies alone are insufficient. Among these approaches, dietary interventions, especially ketogenic-based therapies, have the strongest evidence base. Nutritional supplementation and mind-body practices may provide additional benefit when individualized and clinically supervised. Collaboration with neurologists experienced in integrative care is essential to ensure safe, evidence-informed implementation.
Integrative and Functional Medicine Approaches to Treatment-Resistant Focal Seizures San Antonio | | Direct Integrative Care
At Direct Integrative Care, Dr. Kim is dedicated to guiding you on your path to wellness through a deeply personalized and supportive approach. We focus on integrative medicine, looking beyond symptoms to uncover the root causes of chronic conditions and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your unique health journey. By combining compassionate care with innovative therapies, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve lasting health. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about how our patient-centered practice can help you find balance and vitality.
Yoon Hang Kim MD
Integrative & Functional Medicine Physician
Virtual Practice Serving IA, IL, MO, FL, GA, and TX
References
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