Hypnosis and Epilepsy

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Permalink Reply by Melissa J. Roth on September 8, 2008 at 9:27am

I've worked with a lot of people with epilepsy with no difficulties. Not once has hypnosis triggered a seizure. I can't remember where I read the stats but there are only 2% of epileptic patients who have their seizures triggered by hypnosis. It' s one, rare form of epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by deep states of relaxation. I think you'd be safe but you might want to place a call to his neurologist to ask if there would be any contraindications in the neurologist's opinion. It's also a great marketing technique since the neurologist will likely have other patients who need to stop smoking. By calling you will have set yourself apart from all the others who have not seen fit to partner with the patient's health provider.

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Permalink Reply by Robert A Roberts on September 8, 2008 at 11:20am

Hi John,
Melissa is right, contact his neurologist first, this is good protical. Over the years I have worked with many epileptics usually with very good sucess, let him know that you are putting him in control over his smoking. Sorry to hear that others would not work with him maybe you will be the one to show him that hypnosis works. Good Luck, Bob Roberts

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Permalink Reply by Donald Currie on September 8, 2008 at 2:30pm

My understanding is that not much is known about how hypnosis and epilepsy react with one another. If someone had a seizure while in hypnosis, people might blame the hypnosis. Also, if they had a seizure, are you trained in how to handle the situation. If you get a doctors letter from the clients physician stating that it is okay for them to go ahead with hypnosis, it covers you in case something happens. You can also have the client sign a form stating that you made them aware. Personally, I have had a few people come in with epilepsy and sent them to a physician in my area that uses hypnosis. I feel better knowing they are in good hands if something should happen.

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