Epileptic Seizures and Nystagmus Helped by Chiropractic

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study September 16, 2024, documenting the improvement of epileptic seizures and nystagmus in a child undergoing chiropractic care. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, "Nystagmus is a condition where the eyes move rapidly and uncontrollably."

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describe epilepsy by stating, "Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder in which groups of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes send the wrong signals and cause seizures." They further explain that "During a seizure, many neurons send signals at the same time, much faster than normal. This surge of excessive electrical activity may cause involuntary movements, sensations, emotions, and/or behaviors."

In this case, an 11-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor. The boy was suffering with epileptic seizures and rapid side to side movements of his eyes. According to the boy's mother, the seizures started a year and a half earlier. She reported that her son was having about six seizures each day with each of the seizures lasting about 10 to 15 seconds. The boy's mother did not know how or why the seizures suddenly started and she could not identify any activity or events that would trigger the seizures. The boy was taking a daily medication which had little effect on his condition.

A chiropractic examination was performed with the focus being on spinal positioning and movement. From this examination, it was determined that multiple areas of vertebral subluxations were present. After consultation with and consent of the boy's mother, a specific series of chiropractic adjustments was started.

After six chiropractic adjustments, the boy's mother reported that she noticed a slight decrease in her son's eye movements. By the 8th chiropractic visit, the boy's seizures had decreased from 6 per day to only one per day. By the 14th chiropractic visit, the boy's mother reported that her son had not had any seizures for the previous two weeks. By the 22nd visit, the boy's seizures had decreased from 6 per day to only one per month. In the study conclusion, the authors of this study stated, "This case described the outcomes experienced by a pediatric patient with a history of epileptic seizures undergoing chiropractic care."