Epilepsy and Chiropractic

This section was compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:   Frankp@chiro.org

Chiropractic Research Results for Epilepsy

	Upper Cervical Care in a Nine-Year-Old Female With Occipital Lobe Epilepsy: A Case Study J Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research 2011 (Feb 3): 10–17 High velocity and light force adjustments (Blair technique) were applied to the first cervical vertebra on three separate occasions. Other low force adjustments (Activator) were administered to various levels of the spinal column where vertebral subluxations existed. The patient’s uncontrolled eye twitching decreased immediately following the first upper cervical adjustment and ceased completely 3 weeks following the final adjustment. The twitching has not resurfaced in approximately 2 years.
	Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for a 25-year-old Woman With Myoclonic Seizures J Chiropractic Medicine 2010 (Jun); 9 (2): 90–94 A 25-year-old woman diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy was diagnosed at the age of 14 years. Her seizure episodes began shortly after trauma to her cervical spine and the onset of menarche. This patient received high-velocity, low-amplitude chiropractic spinal manipulation to her upper cervical spine using the Blair upper cervical chiropractic technique protocol. There was improvement in her seizure episodes and menstrual cycles following 12 weeks of chiropractic care.
	Alternative Approaches to Epilepsy Treatment Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2009 (Jul); 9 (4): 313–318 ~ FULL TEXT Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a diverse group of health care practices and products that fall outside the realm of traditional Western medical theory and practice and that are used to complement or replace conventional medical therapies. The use of CAM has increased over the past two decades, and surveys have shown that up to 44% of patients with epilepsy are using some form of CAM treatment. This article reviews the CAM modalities of meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, nutritional and herbal supplements, dietary measures, chiropractic care, acupuncture, Reiki, and homeopathy and what is known about their potential efficacy in patients with epilepsy.
	Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: A Review of Literature Relative to Chiropractic Care of Children J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001 (Mar); 24 (3): 199–205 ~ FULL TEXT The present study reviews 17 reports of pediatric epileptic patients receiving chiropractic care. Fourteen of the 17 patients were receiving anticonvulsive medications, which had proven unsuccessful in the management of the condition. Upper cervical care to correct vertebral subluxation was administered to 15 patients, and all reported positive outcomes as a result of chiropractic care. Chiropractic care may represent a nonpharmaceutical health care approach for pediatric epileptic patients. Current anecdotal evidence suggests that correction of upper cervical vertebral subluxation complex might be most beneficial. It is suggested that chiropractic care be further investigated regarding its role in the overall health care management of pediatric epileptic patients.
	Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Subluxations, Low Back Pain and Epileptic Seizures J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1998 (Jul); 21 (6): 410–418 Chiropractic adjustments using a specific-contact, short-lever arm, high-velocity, low-amplitude maneuver (i.e., Gonstead) were applied to the subluxations at the cervical, thoracic and lumbopelvic region. The patient's reported low back pain and neck complaints improved and her seizure frequency decreased. At 1.5-yr follow-up, the patient reported her low back complaints had resolved and her seizures had decreased (period between seizures as great as 2 months).
	EEG and CEEG Studies Before and After Upper Cervical or SOT Category II Adjustment in Children After Head Trauma, in Epilepsy and in "Hyperactivity" Proceedings of the National Conference on Chiropractic & Pediatrics 1992 (Nov); 84–139 Localization and categorization of central nervous system dysfunction the EEG or CEEG before and after chiropractic adjustment in case histories of five children will be presented. Conventional EEG studies demonstrate responses of two children with petit mal (absent seizures) with potential for generalizing into grand mal. Upper cervical adjustment reduced invasion of primary epileptic foci into surrounding regions of the brain and concurrently reduced the frequency of seizures over a four month period.
	Contact Between Preschool Children with Chronic Diseases and the Authorized Health Services and Forms of Alternative Therapy Ugeskr Laeger 1989 (Jul 10); 151 (28): 1815–1818 A questionnaire investigation was undertaken to study the circumstances of life of 115 families with children aged 0-7 years suffering from asthma, diabetes and epilepsy. Their contacts with the authorized and alternative therapeutic systems were investigated. One third of the sick children had received alternative treatment. The majority had consulted chiropractors. 73% of the parents reported that the treatment had been of benefit to their child. Among parents of asthmatic children who had received chiropractic treatment, 92% considered this treatment beneficial.

Other Management Approaches for Epilepsy

Natural Approaches to Epilepsy Alternative Medicine Review 2007 (Mar); 12 (1): 9–24 This article reviews research on the use of diet, nutritional supplements, and hormones in the treatment of epilepsy. Potentially beneficial dietary interventions include identifying and treating blood glucose dysregulation, identifying and avoiding allergenic foods, and avoiding suspected triggering agents such as alcohol, aspartame, and monosodium glutamate. The ketogenic diet may be considered for severe, treatment-resistant cases. The Atkins diet (very low in carbohydrates) is a less restrictive type of ketogenic diet that may be effective in some cases. Nutrients that may reduce seizure frequency include vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin E, manganese, taurine, dimethylglycine, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Return to CONDITIONS

Since 6-06-2007

Updated 7-20-2022