The AAO Journal, 2024/06, 34(2):22. 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:

case report [736]
cervical spine [320]
dizziness [41]
female [655]
geriatrics [141]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
vertigo [34]
women [608]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Cervicogenic vertigo is imbalance or disorientation associated with neck pain and diminished cervical range of motion. Although the relationship between neck pain and dizziness is not fully understood, these symptoms are associated with somatic dysfunction of the cervical spine. Headaches often result from muscular and myofascial attachments between the cervical spine and cranium. Case: 67-year-old female presented to the Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) clinic 4 months ago with neck pain, radiating to shoulders, and dizziness described as water sloshing inside her head. She exhibited headaches at base of skull, associated with ringing in ears. She slept elevated on several pillows to avoid dizziness. Upon physical exam, reduced left cervical rotation was observed. OMT included reducing hypertonicity of cervical and upper extremity muscles using direct myofascial release, ligamentous articular strain, soft tissue and Osteopathic Cranial Manipulative Medicine. Results: The patient received 9 sessions of OMT. A Vertigo Symptom Scale was administered, recording different symptom frequencies. Initial score was 22/60 and latest score was 7/60, indicating a decreased frequency of vertigo symptoms with OMT. Discussion: OMT was shown to increase cervical rotation and decrease frequency of vertigo symptoms. Patient now sleeps elevated on her side rather than exclusively on her back, demonstrating an increase in quality of life. Being that cervicogenic vertigo is a diagnosis of exclusion and therefore underdiagnosed, OMT also provides the unique opportunity to better identify these cases due to advanced knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and the body as a complete, interrelated unit. Further research is needed to establish the role of OMT in treating cervicogenic vertigo. Case study limitations include controlling for confounding variables such as patient’s activity and stress levels.