Imagine the terror of watching your child experience a seizure for the first time—their body stiffening, jerking uncontrollably, eyes rolling back in their head. You feel helpless, not knowing if they will be okay or if this will happen again.
This scenario is all too common, with epilepsy affecting over 450,000 children in the United States alone. Approximately 1 in 100 people will develop the disorder by age 20. Conventional medical wisdom often presents epilepsy as a condition to be managed rather than resolved, offering powerful anti-seizure medications and invasive surgeries as the only options for most families.
But, does epilepsy ever just go away? Can you outgrow epilepsy? Emerging research and clinical experience do point to the potential for many children to outgrow epilepsy by addressing the root of neurological dysfunction. By viewing seizure disorders through the lens of nervous system health and regulation, however, parents and practitioners can tap into the body’s innate capacity to heal, opening the door to a brighter future for children with epilepsy.
Understanding Epilepsy in Children
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Unlike a vasovagal syncope seizure, which is triggered by heart rate and blood circulation, an epileptic seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and consciousness. Seizures can vary in intensity and duration, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes.
There are many types of seizures, depending on which part of the brain is affected and how much of the body is involved. Some common types include:
- Generalized onset seizures: These seizures involve both sides of the brain from the start and can cause loss of consciousness, falls, and convulsions (tonic-clonic seizures) or brief periods of staring and unresponsiveness (absence seizures).
- Focal onset seizures: These seizures start in one specific area of the brain and may cause changes in sensation, emotion, or behavior. They can occur with or without loss of consciousness.
- Unknown onset seizures: In some cases, it may be difficult to determine if a seizure is generalized or focal at the onset.
Epilepsy syndromes are disorders characterized by specific seizure types, age of onset, and other unique features. Some common childhood epilepsy syndromes include Childhood Absence Epilepsy, Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Identifying the specific epilepsy syndrome can help guide your care plan and provide information about prognosis.
Conventional medicine often views epilepsy as a genetic, lifelong condition that requires ongoing management with medication or surgery. This perspective can leave parents feeling hopeless and helpless, as they face the prospect of their child living with a chronic condition that may impact their development, learning, and overall quality of life.
“The Perfect Storm”: Factors Contributing to Epilepsy
While genetics may play a role in some cases of childhood epilepsy, research increasingly points to a complex interplay of environmental factors that can disrupt the developing nervous system and contribute to seizure disorders. At PX Docs, we refer to this convergence of factors as “The Perfect Storm.”
“The Perfect Storm” often begins during pregnancy, with maternal stress and anxiety playing a significant role. When a mother experiences high levels of stress, her body releases cortisol and other stress hormones that can cross the placenta and impact the developing fetus. This early exposure to stress can alter the programming of the baby’s nervous system, making it more susceptible to dysfunction and dysregulation later in life.
Birth interventions and trauma are another critical component of “The Perfect Storm.” Procedures such as C-sections, forceps deliveries, and vacuum extractions can cause physical stress and injury to the delicate tissues of the baby’s neck and spine. This trauma can result in subluxation, which is a neurological disruption that occurs when misalignments or dysfunctions within the spine create abnormal stress and interference within the nervous system, interfering with brain and body communication.
Early life stressors, such as emotional trauma, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins, can further exacerbate nervous system dysfunction. Perhaps the most common disruptive factor in this area is the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which can alter the delicate balance in the gut and microbiome, and cause problems with the gut-brain connection.
These stressors can cause the body to become stuck in a sympathetic dominant state, also known as “fight or flight” mode. When the sympathetic nervous system is overactive, it can lead to dysautonomia, an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system that regulates vital functions like heart rate, digestion, and sleep.
By understanding “The Perfect Storm” and the role of nervous system dysfunction in epilepsy, parents and practitioners can begin to approach seizure disorders from a new perspective. Rather than merely managing symptoms with medication or surgery, we can work to address the underlying causes and support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Diving Deeper Into Subluxation, Dysautonomia, and Seizures
The connection between subluxation, dysautonomia, nervous system dysregulation, and epilepsy lies in the intricate interplay of spinal health and nervous system function. A subluxation is a misalignment or dysfunction of the vertebrae that disrupts the communication between the brain and body by placing abnormal stress on the nervous system.
This disruption can lead to dysautonomia, an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that impairs essential bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory control. Subluxations, particularly in the brainstem and upper cervical region, can create chronic stress and interfere with autonomic balance, pushing the nervous system into a state of sympathetic dominance and resulting in nervous system dysregulation.
This chronic state of stress lowers the body’s ability to maintain equilibrium and can increase susceptibility to neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, characterized by recurrent seizures triggered by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Additionally, the vagus nerve, which plays a critical role in calming the brain and preventing excessive excitability, may become impaired due to subluxation or ANS imbalance. This dysfunction can further exacerbate or trigger seizures, highlighting the profound impact that spinal and nervous system health can have on overall neurological stability.
Conventional Medical Approach to Epilepsy
When a child experiences a seizure, the conventional medical approach focuses on diagnosis and symptom management. The diagnostic process typically involves a combination of tools and techniques, including:
- Medical history: Doctors will ask about the child’s developmental milestones, family history of seizures, and any prior head injuries or infections.
- Neurological examination: A physical exam to assess the child’s motor skills, reflexes, and cognitive function.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): A test that records the brain’s electrical activity to help identify abnormal patterns associated with seizures.
- Imaging tests: MRI or CT scans may be used to look for structural abnormalities in the brain that could be causing seizures.
Once a diagnosis of epilepsy is made, the primary approach is the use of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). These medications reduce the excitability of nerve cells in the brain, thereby decreasing the likelihood of seizures. Some common AEDs include:
- Valproic acid
- Levetiracetam
- Carbamazepine
- Lamotrigine
While AEDs can be effective in reducing seizure frequency, they often come with a range of potential side effects, such as:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Dizziness and loss of coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Mood changes and irritability
- Cognitive and memory issues
For children whose seizures are not well-controlled with medication, other conventional care options may be considered. These include:
- Epilepsy surgery: Removal of the portion of the brain where seizures originate if a localized area can be identified.
- Ketogenic diet: A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can help reduce seizure frequency in some children.
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): A device implanted under the skin that sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to help reduce seizure activity.
While these options can be beneficial for some children, they do not address the underlying neurological dysfunction that may be contributing to epilepsy.
Do Children Outgrow Epilepsy? The PX Docs Approach
At PX Docs, we take a different approach to epilepsy, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying nervous system dysfunction that can contribute to seizures. Our doctors undergo extensive training in pediatric neurology and specialize in providing gentle, precise chiropractic care tailored to each child’s unique needs.
While Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic is not at all considered a treatment or cure for epilepsy, that’s not even its primary goal or focus. Instead we look to take a natural, drug-free approach that addresses the root causes of seizures head on and supports the body’s own innate healing capabilities.
By supporting the brain and body naturally and working to restore balance and regulation to the autonomic nervous system, it’s truly incredible how much improvement in their overall quality of life children with epilepsy can achieve through this specialized form of care. Patients like Cole, Francesca, and many others have experienced either significant or complete reduction in seizures and reliance on medications.
The INSiGHT Scans and Seizures
Central to our approach is the use of INSiGHT Scans, cutting-edge technology that allows us to detect and measure subluxations and dysautonomia in the nervous system. These scans provide a detailed picture of how well a child’s nervous system functions, guiding our care plans and enabling us to track progress over time.
Once we have identified areas of neurological imbalance, we use precise chiropractic adjustments to correct subluxations and promote optimal nervous system function. Our techniques are safe, non-invasive, and specifically designed for children with varying degrees of neurological dysfunction.
Below are the NeuroCORE EMG Scans from a child struggling with seizures before starting chiropractic care. The excessive amounts of red and black bars throughout the neurospinal system are indicative of significant sympathetic stress, tension, and neurological dysfunction (subluxation). Then on the bottom left scan you can see significant asymmetry from one side of the brain to the other, which is unfortunately a very common neurological “confusion” pattern seen with seizure disorders and epilepsy.
Lifestyle Factors and Supportive Care
In addition to Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, lifestyle and supportive therapies play a crucial role in promoting optimal health and nervous system regulation for children with epilepsy. At PX Docs, we take a holistic approach, working with parents to identify and address all aspects of a child’s well-being.
Stress reduction is a key component of epilepsy management, as stress can exacerbate neurological dysfunction and trigger seizures. We encourage parents to incorporate stress-reducing activities into their child’s daily routine, such as:
- Adequate sleep and rest
- Deep breathing exercises
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Gentle yoga or stretching
- Regular physical activity
Nutrition also plays a significant role in supporting neurological health. Some key dietary considerations for children with epilepsy include:
- Eating a nutrient-dense, whole-foods diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats
- Avoiding processed foods, artificial additives, and refined sugars
- Identifying and eliminating potential food sensitivities or allergies
- Considering a ketogenic diet under the guidance of a healthcare professional
Gut health is another important factor, as the gut-brain axis is closely linked to neurological function. Supporting gut health through probiotic-rich foods, fermented products, and potentially supplementation can help promote a healthy microbiome and reduce inflammation.
A Brighter Future for Children with Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be a daunting diagnosis for any parent to face, but it is not a life sentence. While the conventional medical approach may present epilepsy as a chronic condition to be managed rather than resolved, the PX Docs approach offers a different perspective—one of hope, healing, and the potential for children to outgrow their seizures and thrive.
By understanding “The Perfect Storm” of factors that can contribute to neurological dysfunction, and by addressing these root causes through Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care and supportive lifestyle changes, we can help children build a stronger foundation for optimal health and development.
If you are a parent of a child with epilepsy, know that you are not alone and that there is hope for a brighter future. We invite you to explore the PX Docs approach and find a PX Doc in your area who can help you navigate this journey with compassion, expertise, and unwavering support.
