Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Postconcussive Symptoms: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Osteopathic Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Concussions, a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), can cause transient cerebral dysfunction.
• Postconcussive symptoms (PCS) typically resolve within a week but persist in 10-15% of patients.
• Untreated PCS can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case study on the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for persistent PCS.
• To highlight OMT as a potential non-pharmacological intervention for mTBI recovery.
• To raise awareness among clinicians and researchers regarding OMT's role in managing PCS.

Main Methods:

• A previously healthy patient with 10 months of residual headaches and anxiety post-head injury was treated.
• Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) was administered, incorporating techniques such as balanced ligamentous tension, myofascial release, and osteopathy in the cranial field.
• The treatment focused on addressing the somatic dysfunctions contributing to the patient's symptoms.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced a resolution of both headaches and anxiety following OMT.
• The non-pharmacological and non-invasive nature of OMT was emphasized.
• The case demonstrates the potential benefits of OMT in managing chronic PCS.

Conclusions:

• Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can be an effective component of a multifactorial approach to managing postconcussive symptoms (PCS).
• OMT offers a viable non-pharmacological treatment option for individuals suffering from persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury.
• Further research and clinical awareness are warranted to explore the broader application of OMT in concussion recovery.