The Role of Chiropractic in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Study
Andrea Ryan, DC
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ December 18, 2007 ~ Pages 1-6
Abstract
Objective: To demonstrate the importance of chiropractic care as an integral part of the healing process of a patient with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Clinical Features: A 55 year old female patient presented to the office with a history of two automobile accidents which had both caused a number of physical symptoms including whiplash, loss of range of motion in her right arm, SI joint pain, shoulder pain, hand pain, parasthesias in the upper and lower extremities, and loss of balance. Complicating the healing process was the onset of depression and suicide attempt after the death of her husband, six years after the second automobile accident.
Intervention & Outcome: Torque Release Technique protocols were used to evaluate and adjust spinal subluxations as it provides a low force adjustment. Adjustments were performed twice weekly over the documented seven months of care. Within one month of care, the patient noted a decrease in symptoms and an improvement in her quality of life. Periodic re-evaluations demonstrated an improvement in physical findings as well as improvement in the function of her autonomic and motor systems as documented by thermal and SEMG scanning.
Conclusion: The results of this case study indicate that patients with traumatic brain injury may benefit from including chiropractic care while healing from their physical and emotional stresses.
Key Words: Chiropractic, Subluxation, Torque Release Technique, Traumatic Brain Injury, Surface Electromyography, Thermography,
