Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. In fact, about 1 in 26 people in the United States will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime. Given how widespread the condition is, it’s likely that you or someone you know has epilepsy. March 26th is International Epilepsy Awareness Day, an important opportunity to learn more about the condition and share information with others.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a condition that causes spontaneous, recurrent seizures due to dysregulated electrical activity in the brain. To be diagnosed with epilepsy, a person must have had two seizures, at least 24 hours apart, that are not attributable to any other medical condition. Seizures can be classified into different types based on where and how they originate in the brain. The two main categories are:
Focal Seizures (Partial Seizures)
Simple Partial Seizures: These seizures typically start in one specific area of the brain, leading to symptoms that are localized to the parts of the body controlled by that area. For example, a simple partial seizure in the posterior part of the temporal lobe may cause auditory or olfactory hallucinations, like the sensation of smelling an unpleasant odor.
Complex Partial Seizures: These seizures also begin in a specific area of the brain but cause a loss of awareness or consciousness. People may engage in repetitive behaviors (called automatisms), such as lip-smacking, chewing movements, or picking at clothing.
Generalized Seizures
Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal Seizures): These are among the most well-known types of seizures, often resulting in a loss of consciousness. They begin with muscle stiffness (tonic phase) and are followed by rhythmic jerking or twitching of the muscles (clonic phase), which can last for several minutes.
Absence Seizures (Petit Mal Seizures): These seizures are most common in children but can occur at any age. They involve a brief loss of awareness, where the person may appear to "blank out" or "daydream," without major physical convulsions.
Conventional Treatments for Epilepsy
Pharmacological Treatment
The primary treatment for epilepsy is medication. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) aim to reduce the frequency of seizures by controlling excess electrical activity in the brain. Despite these conventional treatments, about one-third of people with epilepsy don’t respond well to standard medications, and some experience side effects that can affect their quality of life. Many AEDs also have severe side effects and don’t always interact well with other medications.
Dietary Intervention
For those who don’t respond to or tolerate AEDs, dietary interventions like the ketogenic diet may help. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet changes the way the brain uses energy, shifting from glucose to ketones, which may help stabilize brain activity.
Surgical Treatment
The most common surgery for epilepsy is lobectomy, which involves removing a part of the brain responsible for the seizures. This is generally considered a last resort when other treatments fail.
How Chiropractic Neurology Can Help
Chiropractic neurologists utilize non-invasive therapies to rehabilitate the brain and nervous system. By promoting neuroplasticity, stimulating brain function, and addressing neurophysiological imbalances, chiropractic care can help manage and reduce seizure activity. Here are a few ways chiropractic neurology can assist in treating seizures:
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Chiropractic neurologists use vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to manage seizures non-invasively. The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is the longest cranial nerve and plays a vital role in regulating parasympathetic activity. By stimulating the vagus nerve, chiropractic care helps balance the autonomic nervous system, calming excessive neuronal firing that can lead to seizures.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractors correct misalignments in the spine through spinal adjustments, which restore proper communication between the brain and nervous system. A well-functioning nervous system supports improved brain activity, enhances communication pathways, and stabilizes electrical impulses in the brain, potentially reducing seizure frequency.
Cerebellar Activation
Chiropractic neurology also focuses on how the cerebellum works with the vestibular, visual, and somatosensory systems to maintain balance and coordination. When the cerebellum isn’t functioning properly, it can interfere with these systems, contributing to seizures. The vestibular system, responsible for balance, is closely tied to the cerebellum, and dysfunction here can cause abnormal brain activity. By improving the coordination between these systems, chiropractic care helps stabilize brain activity and may reduce seizure frequency.
Wrapping Up: Insights and Innovations in Epilepsy and Chiropractic Neurology
Chiropractic neurology offers a promising alternative for managing epilepsy, especially for those who do not respond well to conventional treatments. By utilizing non-invasive therapies like vagus nerve stimulation, chiropractic adjustments, and cerebellar activation, chiropractic care can help reduce seizure frequency and improve overall brain function. As we observe International Epilepsy Awareness Day, it’s important to explore all available options and share this valuable information with others.
References
Kennedy S, Carroll Z, Merrett T, Grace S. Epilepsy and its association with musculoskeletal dysfunction: a survey of adult epilepsy sufferers. Journal of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society [Internet]. 2019 Jan 1 [cited 2025 Mar 2];25(1):30–4. Available from: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=28b6cd84-0cd3-34c7-bb4b-a3c92f18d0de
Zhu Z, Dluzynski D, Hammad N, Pugalenthi D, Walser SA, Mittal R, et al. Use of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine in Children with Epilepsy: A Global Scoping Review. Children [Internet]. 2023 Apr 1 [cited 2025 Mar 2];10(4):713. Available from: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=5990e2a8-db0e-344e-afd3-c860a4fc551f