Can epileptic people drink coffee?

I have had epilepsy for many years and still use medication to control the disease. I like to drink coffee to relax my mind but I am worried about the effects of the disease. Please advise (Huynh Hiep, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

The main ingredient in coffee is caffeine. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, widely used in the world . People with epilepsy do not know if drinking coffee causes seizures.

First, some current research suggests that caffeine may affect adenosine A1 and A2 receptors (which stimulate all nerve cells). This may lead to increased repetitive nerve cell activity, making seizures more likely and more likely to recur.

Second, some clinical trials have shown that caffeine may reduce the effectiveness of certain anti-seizure medications (used alone or in combination with other medications to prevent and control seizures).

Although the effects of daily foods in general on epileptic seizures still need more research to prove. However, eating foods containing central nervous system stimulants can increase the excitability of the epileptic area. Thus, in your case, you should not drink a lot of coffee or other foods and drinks containing caffeine. Limiting caffeine may be one of the things to do to prevent and control epileptic seizures.

People with epilepsy should limit their coffee intake because it contains caffeine. Photo: Freepik

Epilepsy is a chronic disease caused by abnormalities in the brain that lead to simultaneous stimulation of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex, causing sudden and uncontrollable electrical discharges. Stimulation of the cerebral cortex in different areas can cause different manifestations such as convulsions, sudden loss of consciousness, stiff limbs... You should follow the treatment regimen of a neurologist and take medication or surgery when necessary.

Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System

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