Epilepsy affects an estimated 3.4 million people in the United States, with 3 million adults and 470,000 children affected by the condition. If you or someone you know has epilepsy, you are aware of the significant impact that this condition may have on your day-to-day life.
The anxiety caused by not being able to predict when seizures may strike is significant. Epilepsy can have a detrimental effect on not only your physical health but also your mental health, your memory, your professional life, and your personal life.
Let’s look at what epilepsy is, what brings on seizures, the different treatment choices, and how chiropractic care near you can assist those who suffer from epilepsy.
What Is Epilepsy?
People who suffer from epilepsy are prone to seizures since the condition affects the brain. In order to receive a diagnosis of epilepsy, a patient must have experienced two or more seizures. This condition can strike individuals of any age, from infants to senior citizens.
Even though this condition affects a significant number of people, there are still widespread misconceptions about it. It is essential to solving these issues since the dissemination of misleading information benefits no one. In addition, people who have epilepsy are unable to regulate their seizures, and there is presently no treatment or cure for the condition.
Because there are many kinds of seizures, it can be challenging to determine whether or not a person is suffering from one. For example, others may collapse to the ground, shake uncontrollably, or become oblivious to what is happening around them, while others may appear bewildered and stare off into space.
In addition, some patients may experience unusual sensations, such as an odd odor or taste, while others may feel deja-vu. Most seizures last a few seconds to several minutes, although they can also last longer in rare cases.
Living with epilepsy presents challenges and difficulties, but it is possible to manage the condition through medication and lifestyle changes. The treatment of epilepsy attempts to prevent further seizures by controlling existing ones; furthermore, it is designed to reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.
Furthermore, many individuals who suffer from epilepsy find that leading an active life and participating in various activities helps them cope better with their condition. It is vital for those living with epilepsy to consult a doctor before attempting any action, as some activities may trigger a seizure. It is also important to remember that epilepsy is not a death sentence; it can be effectively managed with proper medication and lifestyle changes.
What Are the Types of Seizures?
Generalized and focal seizures are the two primary classifications used to classify epileptic seizures. Generalized seizures involve activity on both sides of the brain, whereas focal seizures concentrate on one region of the brain in particular. Various distinct forms of seizures fall under these categories.
Tonic-clonic seizures, which used to be known as grand mal seizures, are the most severe type of seizure. During this type of seizure, an individual’s entire body will shake and jerk for several minutes. Absence or petit mal seizures involve short and sudden lapses in consciousness. Atonic seizures involve temporary losses of muscle control, whereas myoclonic seizures involve brief jerking movements throughout the body.
The Connection Between Nerve Interference and Epileptic Fits
Chiropractic therapy is focused on addressing the underlying problem, whereas conventional medical therapies focus on treating the condition’s symptoms. This allows the body to return to its natural functioning and, in effect, heal itself.
The Vagus Nerve is the primary target of chiropractic care for the management of epileptic seizures. At the bottom of the skull is where you’ll find this nerve. Adjustments to this higher cervical region stimulate the nerve, whereas adjustments to the spine address spinal subluxations, which can compress nerves and interfere with the proper functioning of nerves.
When these kinds of nerve interferences are reduced, the brain’s neuronal stimulation is likewise reduced. Because of this, the brain can function more normally, and there is a reduced risk of excessive neuronal discharges, which are the root cause of seizures.
The implantation of a medical device that stimulates the vagus nerve is a current therapy option for epilepsy, which is an exciting development in the field. In addition, this supports the hypothesis that chiropractic manipulations of the same nerve could also help prevent or manage seizures by affecting the same nerve.
What Causes Seizures?
There are numerous reasons for convulsions. Common causes of epilepsy include brain tumors, central nervous system infections, head injuries, strokes, and traumatic brain injuries. Autism, brain dysfunctions, congenital disorders, head trauma, and oxygen deprivation at birth can all place children at risk for epileptic seizures. In addition, seizures can be caused by Alzheimer’s congenital disorders, genetics, head trauma, and stroke in adults.
Options for Treating Epilepsy
The majority of persons with epilepsy are prescribed anticonvulsants by their neurologists for their seizures. Twenty to thirty percent of epileptic individuals do not see a change in the frequency or severity of their seizures; however, this may help for some.
Unfortunately, these drugs also have severe adverse effects that exacerbate existing health problems. This includes symptoms such as sadness, dizziness, sleepiness, hair loss, headaches, irritability, mood swings, nausea, and weight gain.
Stimulating the Vagus nerve, associated with seizure disorders, is a less common and riskier alternative. The physician implants a medical device into the patient’s body, subsequently electrically stimulating the Vagus nerve to prevent seizures.
Most patients with epilepsy prefer to forego this hazardous, intrusive, and ineffective treatment. Exist alternative, safer options exist?
How Can Chiropractors Help Epileptic Individuals?
In the 19th century, scientists discovered that stimulating the Vagus nerve by applying pressure to one of the two carotid arteries (placed on either side of the neck) prevents seizures. This discovery led to the vagus nerve stimulation discussed in the article.
Since this discovery, chiropractors have discovered that the upper cervical spine region influences the Vagus nerve. This information has enabled chiropractors to provide precise, gentle adjustments to the upper cervical spine region. In turn, this aids in removing spinal subluxations and improves the seizure management of patients.
For many chiropractic patients with epilepsy, fewer seizures are possible. This can considerably enhance their quality of life overall. Chiropractic care, which targets the underlying cause of attacks, is capable of restoring nerve health.
Consider the research of seventeen pediatric children with epilepsy to highlight the chiropractic benefits for epileptic sufferers. Fourteen youngsters were using anti-seizure drugs that were ineffective for them. The chiropractor performed precise adjustments to rectify fifteen patients’ vertebral subluxations.
As a result, all children who received chiropractic therapy experienced significant improvements in their epilepsy. They were then able to manage their illness better and experience fewer seizures.
If you or a loved one suffers from seizures, you should examine safer, all-natural alternatives to help you manage your epilepsy. While there is currently no cure, there are alternatives to drugs and dangerous therapies. Everyone deserves to overcome their health issues.
Allow our skilled chiropractors at Fullness of Life Chiropractic to assist you in managing your epilepsy and achieving a higher level of health and wellness. Don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment at our chiropractic clinic.