The AAO Journal, 2024/06, 34(2):24. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-34.2.16, type of study: ,cr,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://meridian.allenpress.com/aaoj/article/34/2/16/500954/LBORC-NUFA-Poster-Abstracts-2024-Students)

Keywords:

adolescents [23]
case report [736]
headache [164]
long covid [26]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
pediatrics [573]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Long-COVID encompasses a wide range of continuing health problems that present weeks to months after an initial COVID-19 infection. Symptoms can be constitutional, respiratory, cardiac, or gastrointestinal. Headaches are among the most frequent symptoms reported with long-COVID and are thought to be caused by activation of the trigeminovascular system in the brain which contains neurons that can trigger migraines. Treatment is limited to analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been a promising alternative treatment for symptomatic headaches. Case: A 15-year-old male presents with a 6-month history of continuous worsening daily headaches located on “the top of their head” that began 1 week post COVID-19 infection. The patient reports inability to concentrate during school and missing class due to symptoms. He reports Tylenol and acupuncture provided minimal to no relief. Examination revealed key somatic dysfunctions of the parietal and temporal bones, occipitomastoid (OM) suture, and cervical paraspinal muscles. Treatment included parietal lift, temporal rocking, occipitoatlantal decompression, muscle energy technique (MET), counterstrain, and myofascial release (MFR). Results: After 3 treatments occurring biweekly over 2 months, the patient’s headaches, previously daily and lasting most of the day, reduced to less than weekly, occurring during stressful work weeks or inadequate sleep. Overall, the patient reported improved sleep, concentration, and better mental wellness by the end of the 2 months. Discussion: This case showed marked improvement in a persistent long-COVID headache affecting an adolescent through treatments targeting key somatic dysfunctions, suggesting broader neurological benefits. While OMT is documented for headaches, limited evidence exists for its mechanism in COVID-19 or adolescent health. As OMT’s role in COVID-related diseases gains support, it is crucial that its utilization in symptomatic management is explored.