Seizure Disorders & Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a relatively common condition affecting about 1% of the population with 125,000 new diagnoses made annually in the United States alone.
Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Help Seizure Disorders & Epilepsy?
The most common misperception about Upper Cervical care is that it only helps back and neck pain. Although our doctors can certainly help those who come to us seeking relief from back and neck pain, these patients represent a small percentage of those helped by Upper Cervical chiropractors. Patients suffering from a variety of conditions, including seizure disorders and epilepsy, have had their health restored through Upper Cervical care. Upper Cervical doctors recognize that the body is a self-healing organism controlled and coordinated by the central nervous system, which is protected by the skull and spine.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care – A Simple Concept
Upper Cervical care is based on the universal law of cause and effect. For every effect or symptom, physical or mental, there must be a cause. Upper Cervical chiropractors focus on locating and removing interference to the nervous system that can be the cause of the health condition. Removing this interference allows the body to heal itself naturally without drugs or surgery. An Upper Cervical correction is very controlled; there is no pulling, tugging, or jerking of the head. This precise yet gentle touch allows the head, neck, and spine to return to the proper position, thus removing the interference and restoring balance to the body.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a relatively common condition affecting about 2.5 million Americans, with 125,000 new diagnoses annually. Nearly 9% of the general population will have at least one seizure during their lives. Symptoms include convulsions, staring, muscle spasms, odd feelings, or episodes of impaired consciousness. Seizures that occur more than once are called epilepsy.
What Causes Seizures & Epilepsy?
Epilepsy occurs as a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Brain cells communicate by sending electrical signals in an organized and orderly pattern. In epilepsy, these electrical signals become abnormal, giving rise to an “electrical storm” that produces seizures.
The cause of epilepsy and seizure disorders is not well understood by the healthcare community, yet researchers continue to focus on trauma as a key cause. Regardless of age, an injury to the head or trauma to the neck and/or upper back can play a key role in the development of seizures. In certain pediatric cases, the injury may occur during the birthing process. After an injury, seizures may begin immediately or, in some cases, take months or years to develop.
Upper Cervical Injuries, Seizures & Epilepsy
Without constant nerve signals from the brain stem to the cerebrum, the brain becomes useless. This can be a critical factor in the development of seizure disorders. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can affect the function of the brain stem and trigger an “electrical storm” within the brain that could develop into seizures.
If you are currently suffering from seizure disorders or epilepsy and would like to seek advice from an Upper Cervical chiropractor, schedule an appointment today.
Common Medical Treatments for Seizure Disorders & Epilepsy
According to the Physician’s Desk Reference, the traditional drugs used to treat seizure disorders and epilepsy are associated with many adverse side effects; a number of them are potentially dangerous.
A study published by the American Family Physician states that many of the drugs used to treat seizures and epilepsy fail to adequately control seizures, and 25 to 40% of patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite treatment with traditional antiepileptic drugs. Up to 61% of patients with seizures report having side effects with antiepileptic drugs. Newer antiepileptic drugs may be more effective, but their potential for serious side effects requires careful consideration of the risks verses benefits.