[Function of the affected cervical spine in head injuries]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Physical Medicine

Context:

• Head injuries often lead to symptoms like headache, vertigo, and vomiting.
• A significant percentage of patients with head injuries exhibit upper cervical spine and cervicothoracic joint dysfunction.
• These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as post-concussion syndrome.

Purpose:

• To investigate the relationship between head injuries and upper cervical spine dysfunction.
• To evaluate the efficacy of manual therapy in treating head injury-related symptoms.
• To differentiate between true neurological deficits and musculoskeletal causes of post-traumatic symptoms.

Summary:

• 100 head-injured patients were studied; 48 had concussions, 52 had no central nervous system (CNS) affection.
• 85% of patients with subjective complaints showed upper cervical spine or cervicothoracic area blockage.
• Manual therapy (manipulation/mobilization) resolved symptoms in all patients upon discharge.
• Four patients experienced symptom recurrence within three months, which resolved with further treatment.

Impact:

• Manual therapy effectively resolves symptoms previously attributed to post-concussion syndrome.
• Highlights the importance of addressing musculoskeletal dysfunction in head injury rehabilitation.
• Suggests a need for improved diagnostic criteria and interdisciplinary collaboration between traumatologists and rehabilitation physicians.