The Down Syndrome-Epilepsy Foundation (DSEF) is a part of the non-profit Center for Natural Health Research and is devoted to looking into the best, natural, methods to help those who have both Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and various forms of epilepsy (including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). These methods include clinical nutrition, naturopathy, manipulative techniques, exercise, and other methods intended to improve the quality of life for those with Down syndrome who also suffer with seizures.

The Down Syndrome-Epilepsy Foundation is directed up by Robert J. Thiel, Ph.D., N.M.D.. Dr. Thiel is not a medical doctor. He is a doctor of nutrition (Ph.D. nutrition science) and a doctor of naturopathic medicine (N.M.D.).

Dr. Thiel believes that DSEF has a better vision for those with both disorders. Why? Because he believes that natural is better. Because he believes that many health professionals and therapists have expectations for the disabled that are too low. Because he believes combining nutrition, exercise, and parental motivation results in better outcomes. Because he believes that science and common-sense show that the combination of natural interventions is the most logical to pursue. Because he has met with many of the so-called experts and researchers in this field and found many of their approaches lacking. He does not believe that he, nor DSEF, have all the answers, but does believe that in many respects, DSEF is at the forefront for practical research to benefit those with both Down syndrome and epilepsy.

Are Drugs the Answer for All Seizure Disorders?

Certainly not. Here is a link to an interesting article titled A Bill of Particulars on Seizures and on Discontinuing Anticonvulsant Drugs by Edward B. LeWinn, M.D., FACP.

Articles

Orthomolecular Therapy and Down Syndrome: Rationale and Clinical Results Presentation at the 8th Annual Scientific Program of the Orthomolecular Health-Medicine Society, March 1, 2002, San Francisco.
Facial Effects of Warner Protocol on Children with Down Syndrome This paper was recently published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine.
Growth Effects of Warner Protocol on Children with Down Syndrome This paper was recently published in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine.

Other Links
The Warner House specializes in nutrition and medical therapy for children wtih Down syndrome.
The Cognitive Enhancement Research Institute specializes in reseaching ways to improve brain function.
Riverbend Down Syndrome Parents Support Group lists information, including some we do not agree with (such as the NDSS position) on Down syndrome.
Trisomy21.org specializes in nutrition and medical therapy for children with Down syndrome.
specializes in osteopathic treatments for disabled children.
Institutes for the Advancement of Human Potential specializes in developing extensive patterning programs for brain-injured children and adults.
Help for Brain Injured Children also specializes in developing extensive patterning programs for brain-injured children and adults.

Although this website is intended to provide information, it cannot provide answers to individual questions, provice medical advice, nor can it recommend any practitioners--sorry. Donations for research are welcomed and are normally considered to be tax-deductible in the U.S.A.

Technical information can be sent via email to dsepilepsy@aol.com.

Appointments to see Dr. Thiel can be made with Doctors' Research, Inc., telephone (805) 489-7185 (there are no telephone appointments), 1248 Grand, Suite C, Arroyo Grande, California (Arroyo Grande is approximately 190 miles north-west of Los Angeles International Airport and 200 miles south of San Jose).

Down Syndrome-Epilepsy Foundation, Center for Natural Health Research, 1248 Grand Avenue, Suite C2, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 * (805) 489-7188