With the medication ruled out at this stage as a result of the allergic reaction and research that pointed to other side effects of the main medications, we began looking for other approaches. In March we started working with Nandish Chiropractic. Their focus was on alignment, activating the vagus nerve, and supporting the parasympathetic system — helping the body move out of “fight or flight” and into a state where it could rest and heal. One unexpected part of those sessions was that the chiropractor was able to trigger a seizure during treatment. It was unsettling, but it also made the connection between the nervous system and the absences feel more tangible. We continued this treatment for 12 weeks, but stopped thereafter.
In July we saw Dr Ulrich-Bero Doering, a GP who specialises in homeopathy and anthroposophical medicine. The appointment was interesting, but it didn't give us a clear path forward.
A follow-up meeting at Starship to discuss alternative treatments took place in September 2022, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. The neurologist recommended that Harvey begin a course of sodium valproate (Epilim). We declined.