- 301 W Fee Ave, Melbourne, FL 32901
A seizure occurs when there is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Depending on the area of the brain involved, a seizure may cause involuntary movements, changes in awareness, unusual sensations, staring, confusion, or a temporary loss of consciousness.
Seizures can have different causes, and experiencing one seizure does not automatically mean someone has epilepsy. Some seizures occur because of a temporary medical problem, while others are associated with an ongoing neurological condition that requires long-term management.
For individuals and families affected by seizures, understanding the symptoms, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when to seek medical attention are important steps toward safety.
At Victory Spinal Care in Melbourne, Florida, we believe patients deserve clear, responsible health information. Our practice provides upper cervical chiropractic care for appropriate musculoskeletal concerns. However, upper cervical chiropractic care is not an established treatment for seizure disorders or epilepsy and must not replace neurological evaluation, prescribed medication, or emergency medical care.
A seizure is an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affects movement, awareness, behavior, sensation, or other functions.
The term seizure disorder is sometimes used broadly when discussing conditions involving recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is a specific neurological disorder characterized by an enduring tendency to experience seizures. A person can have a seizure without having epilepsy, so medical assessment is important to determine the cause.
Seizures can look very different from one person to another. Some involve falling and rhythmic shaking, while others cause brief staring, unusual sensations, repetitive movements, or temporary confusion without dramatic physical movements.
A seizure may last only seconds or a few minutes. A prolonged seizure or repeated seizures without recovery can be a medical emergency.
Seizures are commonly classified according to where the abnormal electrical activity begins and how it affects the person.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures begin in one area or network on one side of the brain. Symptoms depend on the area involved and may include:
Some focal seizures affect awareness, while others do not. A focal seizure can sometimes spread and involve both sides of the brain.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures involve networks on both sides of the brain from the beginning of the seizure. They include several types.
Not all seizures involve convulsions. Some can be subtle and may be mistaken for daydreaming, confusion, or unusual behavior.
Symptoms depend on the seizure type, the area of the brain involved, and the underlying cause. Possible signs include:
Some people experience an aura—a sensation or change that occurs before certain seizures. An aura may involve an unusual smell, a feeling of déjà vu, visual changes, or a rising sensation in the stomach. In some cases, an aura is itself a focal seizure.
These symptoms do not always indicate epilepsy. Fainting, heart rhythm problems, low blood sugar, sleep disorders, and other medical conditions can sometimes resemble seizures. A healthcare professional should assess suspected seizure activity.
Seizures can occur for many reasons. Identifying the cause helps guide treatment and determine whether a person may be at risk of future seizures.
Possible causes or contributing factors include:
In some cases, the cause is not immediately identified. A seizure evaluation can help determine what happened and whether additional treatment or testing is needed.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and an account of what happened before, during, and after the episode. If possible, information from a witness can help the clinician understand the event.
Depending on the situation, a medical evaluation may include:
Not every person needs every test. The evaluation depends on the person’s symptoms, medical history, examination, and the circumstances of the event.
A first suspected seizure warrants prompt medical assessment. Do not assume that an episode was caused by a spinal problem or attempt to manage it with chiropractic care instead of seeking appropriate evaluation.
Treatment depends on the seizure type, underlying cause, frequency of episodes, and the individual’s health. A neurologist or other qualified medical professional can recommend an appropriate plan.
Antiseizure Medication
Antiseizure medications are commonly used to reduce or prevent seizures. The appropriate medication depends on the seizure type and individual circumstances. Taking medication as prescribed and discussing side effects or concerns with the treating clinician are important parts of management.
Do not stop or change antiseizure medication without medical guidance, as doing so can increase seizure risk.
Treatment of the Underlying Cause
When seizures result from a treatable medical problem, such as a significant metabolic disturbance or infection, treating that problem is an important part of care.
Specialist Treatment for Difficult-to-Control Seizures
If seizures continue despite appropriate medication trials, a specialist may assess whether other options are suitable. Depending on the diagnosis, these may include epilepsy surgery, neurostimulation, or specific dietary therapies under medical supervision.
Safety Planning
A seizure action plan can help patients, families, and caregivers understand what to do during an episode and when emergency assistance is necessary. Depending on the individual’s seizure pattern, clinicians may also provide guidance about driving, swimming, bathing, working at heights, and other safety considerations.
Treatment should be individualized and coordinated with the person’s medical team.
Knowing how to respond can help protect someone who is having a seizure.
If a person has a convulsive seizure:
Call 911 if the seizure lasts five minutes or longer, another seizure begins before the person recovers, the person has difficulty breathing or waking up, they are injured, the seizure occurs in water, or it is their first known seizure. Emergency help is also important when the person is pregnant or another serious concern is present.
Do not give food, drink, or oral medication until the person is fully alert and able to swallow safely. Follow an individualized seizure action plan if one exists, and administer prescribed rescue medication only if you are trained and the plan directs you to do so.
For detailed guidance, see the CDC’s seizure first aid recommendations.
At Victory Spinal Care in Melbourne, FL, our practice focuses on upper cervical chiropractic care, which involves evaluation and care of the upper portion of the neck.
The neck and spine are important parts of the musculoskeletal system, but seizure disorders involve abnormal electrical activity in the brain. There is no established evidence that upper cervical chiropractic care treats epilepsy, prevents seizures, or replaces neurological treatment.
If you have a seizure disorder, your medical care should remain under the direction of your neurologist or other qualified healthcare professional. Before considering chiropractic care for a separate neck-related musculoskeletal concern, discuss it with your medical team so that your overall health, medications, seizure history, and individual safety needs can be considered.
Our services are not a substitute for seizure diagnosis, antiseizure medication, epilepsy management, or emergency care. If you experience a first seizure or new neurological symptoms, seek medical assessment rather than arranging a chiropractic visit as the first step.
Our goal is to provide transparent information about the scope of our care and help patients make informed decisions.
Q. What is the difference between a seizure and epilepsy?
A. A seizure is an episode of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder involving an ongoing tendency to have seizures. A person can experience a seizure because of a temporary medical problem without having epilepsy. A healthcare professional can evaluate the cause and determine whether epilepsy or another condition is involved.
Q. Can upper cervical chiropractic care treat seizures or epilepsy?
A. No. Upper cervical chiropractic care is not an established treatment for seizure disorders or epilepsy. It has not been shown to reliably prevent seizures or replace neurological treatment. Anyone with a seizure history should discuss additional care with their treating medical professional, especially before beginning a new therapy.
Q. Can a seizure happen without shaking?
A. Yes. Some seizures cause brief staring, changes in awareness, unusual sensations, repetitive movements, or confusion without the dramatic shaking often associated with seizures. Any suspected seizure should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Q. What should I do if someone has a seizure?
A. Stay with the person, protect them from nearby hazards, cushion their head if possible, and time the seizure. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Turn them onto their side when possible and remain with them during recovery. Call 911 for a first known seizure, a seizure lasting five minutes or longer, repeated seizures without recovery, breathing difficulties, serious injury, or a seizure in water.
Q. Can seizure disorders be treated?
A. Yes. Many people manage seizures with antiseizure medication. Depending on the diagnosis and response to treatment, other medical or specialist options may be available. The right plan depends on the seizure type, cause, and individual health needs.
Q. When should someone seek emergency care for a seizure?
A.Call 911 if a seizure lasts five minutes or longer, another seizure begins before the person recovers, breathing or waking becomes difficult, the person is injured, the seizure occurs in water, or it is their first known seizure. Follow the person’s seizure action plan when available, but do not delay emergency assistance when warning signs are present.
Seizure disorders require careful medical assessment and an individualized management plan. Understanding the symptoms, following medical recommendations, and knowing how to respond during an episode can help support safety.
If you also have a separate neck-related musculoskeletal concern, Victory Spinal Care can discuss whether upper cervical chiropractic care may be appropriate for that issue. We encourage anyone with a seizure disorder to coordinate additional care with their treating medical professional.
Victory Spinal Care — Melbourne, Florida
301 W Fee Ave
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 288-1455
Serving Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Suntree, West Melbourne, and surrounding Brevard County communities.
Contact us to learn more about our upper cervical chiropractic services.
Victory Spinal Care provides personalized upper cervical chiropractic care in Melbourne, Florida. Dr. Javier Canales-Díaz is committed to helping patients understand their spinal health and explore appropriate care options.
Service Areas: Melbourne, Palm Bay, Viera, Suntree, West Melbourne, and surrounding communities in Brevard County, Florida.
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