Febrile Seizuresaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Seizure and Epileptic Disorders, Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
Sub-symptom(s): Childhood Febrile Convulsions
What are Febrile Seizures?
Febrile seizures are convulsions in young children that may occur when a fever spikes rapidly. Typically, these seizures are brief and associated with a temperature greater than 100.4°F (38°C). Although alarming for parents, the majority of febrile seizures are short-lived and do not signify long-term health issues. They are most common in toddlers and preschoolers and are distinct from epilepsy, which is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
How does TCM view Febrile Seizures?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, identifying a patient's "pattern" is a diagnostic cornerstone, reflecting the unique constellation of symptoms and underlying disharmonies. It transcends treating isolated symptoms, aiming instead at the root imbalance.
Understanding a pattern ensures tailored treatments, acknowledging that individuals may exhibit common symptoms but require distinct therapeutic approaches based on their specific TCM pattern. This holistic focus on patterns over symptoms is what shapes the personalized nature of TCM care.
Causes of Febrile Seizures according to TCM
In TCM, febrile seizures are often attributed to an accumulation of Heat in the body. This excess heat may stem from an external pathogen or an internal condition that causes the body's temperature to rise rapidly, leading to seizures.
Another common TCM diagnosis for febrile seizures is the disturbance of the internal organ systems, where the Liver's Wind and the Pericardium's Fire become imbalanced. These patterns are not mere diagnoses but reflections of a deeper imbalance within the body's Qi, or vital energy, and its Yin and Yang aspects.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Febrile Seizures
The TCM approach to treating febrile seizures involves using formulas that clear internal heat and restore the balance of Yin and Yang. One such formula is Zi Xue Dan, which includes key herbs like Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), known for its potent Heat-clearing properties.
This formula is often used when there is an indication of Heart Fire blazing or Liver Wind due to Liver Fire, which can cause symptoms of restlessness and convulsions. The goal of TCM treatment is to cool the internal heat, calm the spirit, and prevent the recurrence of seizures by addressing the root causes of the imbalance.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address febrile seizures, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Febrile seizures can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Zi Xue Dan, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Febrile seizures can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Febrile Seizures
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address febrile seizures, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Febrile seizures can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Dragon Bones (Long Gu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for febrile seizures, like Feng Yin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit" recommended for febrile seizures
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dragon Bones (Long Gu) | Feng Yin Tang |
| Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke) | Feng Yin Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Febrile seizures can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Bistort Rhizomes (Quan Shen), which is directly recommended for febrile seizures.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Febrile seizures can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for febrile seizures, like Zi Xue Dan.
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Febrile seizures can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for febrile seizures, like Zi Xue Dan.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Febrile seizures can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Musk (She Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for febrile seizures, like Zi Xue Dan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Febrile seizures can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for febrile seizures, like Feng Yin Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Febrile seizures can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for febrile seizures, like Feng Yin Tang.