Epilepsy is a common condition that affects the brain and nervous system. Bursts of electrical activity in the brain temporarily affect how it works and can present with a wide range of symptoms. There are many forms of epilepsy, which can present in different ways. Epilepsy syndromes affect people across and range of ages but most frequently starts either in childhood or in people over 60. This article will discuss the most common childhood epilepsy syndrome.

Childhood Absence Epilepsy (CAE) is a common epilepsy syndrome affecting young people. Children with CAE have absence seizures, characterised by a brief loss of awareness, up to several times per day. CAE is one of a group of epilepsy syndromes called “idiopathic generalised epilepsies” or “genetic generalised epilepsies”. Other syndromes in this group include; Juvenile absence epilepsy, Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, Epilepsy with generalised tonic seizures alone.

Children with CAE may have absence seizures in excess of 30 times per day. During these seizures children may:

• Suddenly lose awareness
• Stop talking or what they are doing and stare blankly into space
• Not respond to people talking to them
• Make slight repetitive movements with their finger, hands, mouth, or eyes called “automatisms”

These seizures usually last around 10 seconds and will start and stop suddenly. Afterwards the child may go back to what they were doing or sometimes may appear a little confused for a few seconds. Occasionally absence seizures may last longer (15-20 seconds), these are classed as “atypical”. Seizures may occur more often during times of illness or when tired.

CAE can be diagnosed by a paediatrician, they may recommend an EEG to help confirm the diagnosis. The EEG will record electrical activity in the brain, and will help to identify abnormal activity during the seizures. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the paediatrician may prescribe epilepsy medications to help manage the condition. Many children stop having absence seizures as they age.

As Upper Cervical Chiropractors we are concerned with the interaction of the spinal structures in the neck and how they interact with the central nervous system. I would recommend reading some of our other blogs on blood flow to the brain, cerebrospinal fluid flow, and brainstem function to gain further understanding of the importance of getting your neck and nervous system check. Considering that CAE and other epileptic syndromes are nervous system based disordered it is worth considering getting checked by an Upper Cervical Chiropractor to identify if the upper cervical spine is a contributing factor in the condition.

If you want to find out how we might be able to help then book a call with one of our Chiropractors today.