A seizure is a brief, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain — often compared to a “short circuit” in the body’s wiring system. These sudden disturbances can affect movement, behavior, awareness, and emotions, creating experiences that range from subtle staring spells to full-body convulsions.
Common signs and symptoms of a seizure may include:
- Temporary confusion or disorientation
- Staring spells or “zoning out” episodes
- Uncontrolled jerking of the arms, legs, or body
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Emotional or sensory changes such as fear, anxiety, or déjà vu
When two or more seizures occur at least 24 hours apart without a clear or identifiable cause, it’s typically classified as epilepsy [1]. For parents, this can be particularly concerning, as some children exhibit clear seizure-like episodes even when traditional medical testing — such as EEGs — fails to identify abnormal brain activity or pinpoint a cause.
Understanding the Different Types of Seizures
Seizures are generally divided into two main categories: focal onset and generalized onset.
Focal seizures, sometimes referred to as partial seizures, begin in one specific area of the brain. They can be triggered by localized injury or scarring, often identified through medical imaging or history. In children, these developmental “scars” may form during early brain growth and are a common cause of focal seizures.
Generalized-onset seizures, in contrast, affect both sides of the brain simultaneously. These are the types most commonly associated with the loss of consciousness and full-body muscle movements. While focal seizures may impact only one side of the body or alter awareness, generalized seizures tend to cause widespread, synchronized brain activity that produces the more dramatic physical symptoms often associated with epilepsy [2].
Commonly Overlooked Contributors
While certain causes of seizures can be traced to genetics, trauma, or infection, there are many less recognized factors that can influence the nervous system and contribute to seizure activity.
Several commonly overlooked contributors include:
- Traumatic brain injuries that disrupt normal brain tissue function
- Prenatal stress, which can alter early neurological development
- Birth interventions such as forceps, vacuum delivery, or C-sections that may stress the brainstem or vagus nerve
- Subluxation and dysautonomia, referring to spinal misalignments and imbalances in the autonomic nervous system
These factors highlight why it’s essential to view the nervous system as an integrated whole — rather than isolating the brain from the rest of its complex communication network.
The Neurological Connection: A Chiropractic Perspective
Traditional approaches to epilepsy and seizures often focus solely on the brain. However, the brain is only one part of the central nervous system, which also includes the brainstem, spinal cord, and an intricate web of sensory and autonomic nerves. Each component plays a role in regulating brain activity, stress responses, and coordination between body systems.
At Activate Chiropractic, our neurological-focused approach aims to support this entire system. Through gentle, precise chiropractic adjustments — particularly in areas that influence the brainstem and vagus nerve — we seek to restore proper communication between the brain and body. This can help reduce stress and improve the overall function of the nervous system, potentially creating a more stable neurological environment.
Research on Chiropractic and Seizure Management
Emerging research suggests that spinal adjustments, particularly upper cervical care, may offer complementary benefits for individuals with seizure disorders.
A published review examined 17 reports of pediatric patients with epilepsy who received chiropractic care. In this group, 14 of the 17 were taking anticonvulsive medications that had not successfully managed their condition. Following upper cervical adjustments aimed at correcting vertebral subluxations, all 17 patients reported positive outcomes — including decreased seizure frequency and improved overall well-being [3].
While more research is needed, these findings highlight the potential role of chiropractic care as a supportive, non-invasive approach that focuses on optimizing neurological health and function.
Supporting Families Through Neurological Care
For families navigating epilepsy and seizures, understanding the body’s neurological connections can provide new hope and direction. Our goal at Activate Chiropractic is to identify and address the underlying imbalances within the nervous system that may be contributing to these challenges — using technology-driven assessments and gentle, neuro-focused chiropractic adjustments to restore balance and support healing from within.
References
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Epilepsy and seizures: Conditions we treat. The Johns Hopkins Epilepsy Center. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology-neurosurgery/specialty-areas/epilepsy/conditions
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Types of seizures. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/types-of-seizures.html
Pistolese, R. A. (2001). Epilepsy and seizure disorders: A review of literature relative to chiropractic care of children. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 24(3), 199-205. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11313616/