A common condition that many people in America suffer from is known as epilepsy.  This condition is a seizure disorder marked by sudden convulsions or abnormal activity of the brain.   Over 180,000 people report suffering from epilepsy, including males and females as well as children and adults.  Having seizures can make you feel like you have no control over your health or body, but there are things that can be done to better manage seizure symptoms and reduce instances of seizures.  You may be surprised to learn that a Lithia Springs chiropractor can help with your seizures, whether you have epilepsy, a diagnosed seizure disorder, or simply experience seizures from time to time.

Causes of Seizures

Over half of the seizures that occur in those with epilepsy are due to unknown causes.  Doctors simply don’t know what is causing seizures to happen.  Other known causes can be due to a variety of other factors, such as loss of oxygen to the brain during birth, trauma of some form, Autism, congenital conditions, or brain malfunctions.  Strokes, severe infections, or even genetic factors may also play a part in seizures in adults.  While there is indeed a reason for every seizure that happens, it is often vague and/or unknown, leaving many to wonder what exactly can be done to manage seizures.

Managing Seizures

The first option for those who suffer from seizures is usually to look to medication.  While medication can be beneficial for some, over 30 percent of those on medications experience little to no change in their seizures.  Medication also comes with its own risk of potentially harmful side effects.  Another method for managing seizures is a newer technology that involves a device implanted in the body to stimulate the Vagus nerve electrically.  This nerve has been linked to seizures and may play an important role in answering the question as to why seizures are happening.  Another non-invasive, drug-free, and natural option is chiropractic care, which is quite effective and helpful for managing seizures.

Chiropractic Care for Seizures

You may be wondering what chiropractic care has to do with seizures.  If you have only visited a Lithia Spring chiropractor for back or neck pain, you are missing out on the true benefits of chiropractic.  It is a great way to improve health and quality of life by focusing on a healthy central nervous system.  The Vagus nerve is a part of the central nervous system and is connected to seizure research.  For centuries, scientists have studied the Vagus nerve and have discovered that pressing on the two arteries on the side of the neck is a way to stimulate this nerve.  The upper spine also impacts the Vagus nerve as well.  Dr. Ronnie Bolar of Vital Life Chiropractic provides gentle spinal adjustments that can have an impact on the Vagus nerve and those with epilepsy.

Studies have been conducted to explore the impact of the Vagus nerve on epilepsy.  One significant study reviewed seventeen people who suffered from seizures.  Fourteen were on medication that was not working effectively.  As an alternative to medication, fifteen people began receiving regular chiropractic adjustments.  Each of these individuals saw improvements and experienced positive results with their epilepsy and seizures.

If medication hasn’t worked for your seizures or you want to try something different, consider chiropractic care with Lithia Spring chiropractor Dr. Bolar.  Give us a call at Vital Life Chiropractic to schedule a consultation today.

 

 

Sources

Coburn, W. “Seizures and Epilepsy – Could Chiropractic Care Be the Answer?” www.chiropracticbalance.com/dr-coburns-blog/seizures_and_epilepsy_-_could_chiropractic_care_be_the_answer.

“Common Epilepsy Causes and Seizure Triggers.” WebMD. www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/epilepsy-causes.

“Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders: A Review of Literature Relative to Chiropractic Care of Children.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2001 Mar-Apr; 24(3): 199-205. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11313616.

Koubeissi, M. “What Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation?” 24 Feb 2015. www.epilepsy.com/article/2015/2/what-vagus-nerve-stimulation.

Schachter, S., Shafer, P., & Sirven, J. “What Causes Epilepsy and Seizures?” www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-causes-epilepsy-and-seizures.