Physical therapy management of a patient with Eagle syndrome

The purpose of this care report was to describe the physical therapy management of a unique case involving a 50-year-old white female with complaints pertaining to the craniofacial, cervical, thoracic, and brachial regions with known Eagle syndrome as a complicating factor. Intervention consisted of manual therapy and therapeutic exercises. The Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and subjective complaints were used as outcome measures. The patient was tested at initial visit, discharge, and at a 3-month follow-up. At discharge the patient reported complete cessation of craniofacial symptoms, her CCFT score had improved by 4 mmHg, and the NDI score had improved by 10%. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient's CCFT had improved an additional 4 mmHg and the NDI score had declined by 4%. The cumulative outcomes were an 8 mmHg improvement in the CCFT and a 6% increase on the NDI. Although subjective complaints and CCFT scores improved, clinically significant improvement with the NDI was not maintained. Limitations of this case study include the substitution of standardized equipment for the CCFT and the presence of numerous comorbidities that possibly influenced results. Further research is necessary.