Resolution of Concussion Symptoms After Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract

A concussion is the result of a biomechanical force directed toward the head, causing neurologic dysfunction. The inflammatory response and the production of reactive oxygen species are proposed mechanisms for the symptoms and long-term sequelae of concussion. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may help reduce inflammation by improving glymphatic flow. The authors describe the effect of OMT on a patient with mild concussion symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, and imbalance. The patient was evaluated with the Sensory Organization Test before and after undergoing a 25-minute session of OMT. After the session, the patient reported resolution of symptoms, and his sensory organization test score improved by 6 points. The role of OMT must be further investigated as an essential and cost-effective tool in the management of concussions.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Relieves Post-concussion Symptoms in a Case of Polytrauma

“…OMT was first performed for our patient approximately six weeks post-injury in part to allow completion of other subspecialist follow-up, and fracture healing-acute fracture is a relative contraindication to OMT of the fracture [11]. In contrast to our case, Guernsey et al achieved complete resolution of PCS after acute isolated head injury (three days prior to contact) through a single OMT session, suggesting that earlier OMT may be more effective at treating PCS [8].…”

“…OMT may be a beneficial adjunct for the care of concussed patients [5,[7][8][9][10]. Three case reports describe patients with isolated head injuries whose PCS improved after outpatient OMT [5,7,8].…”

Integration of Osteopathic Manual Treatments in Management of Cervical Dystonia with Tremor: A Case Series

“…Of 142 healthy subjects, 3% had vertical strain (1% inferior and 2% superior) 10. However, they have been more frequently reported in adult concussion11 or traumatic brain injury 12. Vertical strains were also more prevalent in term and preterm neonatal intensive care unit patients (36.8%), than in healthy newborns (<5%) 13.…”

Concussion Evaluation and Management: An Osteopathic Perspective

“…The production of reactive oxygen species in the brain and the glymphatic drainage system's involvement in head injury supports the role of osteopathic manipulative treatment. 18 Osteopathic manipulative treatment has been shown to yield significant improvement in symptoms associated with concussion, such as headache and vertigo. 18,19 Additionally, craniosacral therapy and visceral and neural manipulation have produced significant improvement in pain, cervical range of motion, and memory in former professional football players.…”

“…18 Osteopathic manipulative treatment has been shown to yield significant improvement in symptoms associated with concussion, such as headache and vertigo. 18,19 Additionally, craniosacral therapy and visceral and neural manipulation have produced significant improvement in pain, cervical range of motion, and memory in former professional football players. 20 Recent research also demonstrates the safety of osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine in the treatment of patients with concussion.…”