Reduction in Seizure Activity in an Epilepsy Sufferer Under Chiropractic Care

The Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study in their 2024 fourth-quarter journal that documented the improvement in the number and severity of seizures for an epileptic patient after receiving chiropractic care.

The Epilepsy Foundation defines epilepsy on their website by stating, "Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world. If you have epilepsy, surges of electrical activity in your brain can cause recurring seizures." They go on to explain, "Seizures are sudden surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in your brain and can affect how you appear or act. Where and how the seizure presents itself can have profound effects."

In this case, a 24-year-old woman went to the chiropractor to see if she could get help with her epilepsy. At that time, the woman was having regular seizures that interfered with her daily life in a profound way. She had been diagnosed with epilepsy since birth when she was experiencing "extreme infantile spasms."

The woman reported that her seizure frequency was impacting her ability to participate in most normal social activities. She also noted that her seizures prevented her from engaging in exercise and she could not gain employment due to her condition. The study reports that the woman felt that her life was completely controlled by her seizures.

The woman was on a number of medications to treat her condition. She felt that the medications she was given were excessive and that the side effects were often worse than the seizures. When she was about to suffer a seizure, the woman said that her eyes would feel heavy, her memory would become worse, and she would become very moody. She was encouraged by her medical professionals to accept her health situation saying that her condition was probably "as good as it gets."

A comprehensive examination and spinal x-rays showed multiple vertebral subluxations and a reversal of normal neck curvature. With these findings, regular specific chiropractic adjustments were started. Due to the seriousness of her condition and how the seizures were affecting all areas of her life, the woman was seen three times per week in the beginning of her chiropractic care. She was periodically re-evaluated to monitor her progress.

The study records that, as a result of her chiropractic care, the seizures discontinued. The only times that the seizures would reoccur was when she was traveling with her mother for extended periods of time and was unable to receive her chiropractic adjustments. During those breaks from care, her seizures were still less frequent and less severe.

As the woman continued with her chiropractic care on a less-frequent maintenance schedule, she was able to resume normal life activities. The study noted that the woman was able to go for walks and ride a bike. She could also now go for a swim, an activity she was previously afraid to do for fear of having a seizure and drowning. She stated that she was able to look for employment and for the first time she felt that she was able to take control of her life.