Scott A. Null, D.C. & Logan A. Null, D.C.
Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ March 4, 2019 ~ Pages 11-18
Abstract
Objective: To report on the positive health outcomes of a young adult with posttraumatic epilepsy undergoing chiropractic care and review the related literature.
Clinical Features: A 19-year-old male diagnosed with posttraumatic epilepsy following a traumatic brain injury six months prior presents to a chiropractor’s office with signs of vertebral subluxation as well as episodes of headaches and dizziness.
Interventions and Outcomes: The vertebral subluxation was addressed using Grostic analysis and adjustments to reduce an Atlas subluxation. Post radiographs taken after the first adjustment revealed a reduction of the subluxation. The frequency of seizures began declining with the initiation of adjustments and completely resolved. His headaches and dizziness also improved. He remained seizure free in a 10 year follow-up.
Conclusion: Research on chiropractic care for posttraumatic epilepsy is not present in the literature; however, some studies on chiropractic and epilepsy have patients with head injuries that improved under care. Some literature reviews demonstrate the benefit of upper cervical chiropractic adjustments in managing patients with seizure type disorders. While this case demonstrated an optimal outcome with chiropractic care, more study is needed in this area.
Key Words: Chiropractic, posttraumatic epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, Grostic, upper cervical, adjustment, subluxation
