Transcendental meditation: a double-edged sword in epilepsy?
Epilepsy & behavior : E&B November 1, 2006 Ephraim Philip Lansky, Erik K St Louis
Transcendental Meditation (TM), derived from ancient yogic teachings, has been associated with EEG changes including increased alpha, theta, and gamma frequencies and enhanced coherence and synchrony. Because neuronal hypersynchrony is a hallmark of epilepsy, and both epileptic seizures and meditative states can involve subjective psychic symptoms, apnea, and myoclonic jerking, clinical vignettes suggest a potential risk of kindling from repetitive TM practice. Conversely, studies of similar techniques indicate meditation may also serve as an antiepileptic therapy. Future video/EEG monitoring and prospective trials in epilepsy patients are needed to clarify safety and efficacy for seizure reduction and quality of life.