epilepsy
Epilepsy and seizure disorders: A review of literature
relative to chiropractic care of children
By Richard A. Pistolese, DC
Objective: To review the currently available
literature regarding chiropractic care relative to patients
with epilepsy, particular emphasis being placed on those
who have epilepsy as children.
Data Sources: The Index to Chiropractic
Literature was searched for the years 1980 through 1998 through
use of the keywords epilepsy and seizure. The MANTIS database
was searched for the years 1970 through 2000 through use
of the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) keywords chiropractic,
epilepsy, seizure, and child/children. In addition, a MEDLINE
search of the literature was performed for the years 1966
through 2000 through use of the same subject headings.
Results: The present study reviews 17
reports of pediatric epileptic patients receiving chiropractic
care. Fourteen of the 17 patients were receiving anticonvulsive
medications, which had proven unsuccessful in the management
of the condition. Upper cervical care to correct vertebral
subluxation was administered to 15 patients, and all reported
positive outcomes as a result of chiropractic care.
Conclusions: Chiropractic care may represent
a nonpharmaceutical health care approach for pediatric epileptic
patients. Current anecdotal evidence suggests that correction
of upper cervical vertebral subluxation complex might be
most beneficial. It is suggested that chiropractic care be
further investigated regarding its role in the overall health
care management of pediatric epileptic patients. (J Manipulative
Physiol Ther 2001;24:199-205)
Publishing and Reprint Information
- Richard A. Pistolese, DC, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Research Department, Stone Mountain, Ga.
- This study was supported by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
- Submit reprint requests to: Richard A. Pistolese, DC, Research Department, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, 5295 Highway 78, Suite #D362, Stone Mountain, GA 30087-3414
- J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001;24:199-205
- Paper submitted March 30, 1999; in revised form April 15, 1999.
- © 2001 JMPT
- 0161-4754/2001/$35.00 + 0 76/1/113771
- doi:10.1067/mmt.2001.113771