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RESEARCH LIBRARY - DOCUMENT [77]

Category: Case Studies
Date 14-feb-1994
Case Title Monocular Vision Loss After Closed Head Trauma: Resolution Associated with Spinal Manipulation
Author R. Frank Gorman, M.B.B.S., D.O.
Main Condition/ Disease  Visual Disturbance
Source Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT); Volume 18, No5, 308-14; (June 1995)
Abstract A case of a 9 year-old with demonstrated spinal injuries which may have caused cortical and ocular vision loss which was ameliorated following spinal a manipulation under anaesthesia. Two separate incidents of head trauma and vision loss are discussed which resolved following spinal manipulation.
Summary Gorman in another case documents vision loss in a child referred to the clinic by an optometrist. This child also suffered headaches, blurred vision, abdominal pain and ‘red eyes’. As in previous studies Gorman elicits the use of perimetry to confirm visual field loss. Two spinal manipulations were carried out under anesthetic by practitioner with resultant recovery in visual loss and reduction in other symptoms. Follow up revealed the child with far less headaches and ocular symptoms and a better demeanor. Following another head injury (from a T-ball), the patient was referred again with another round of spinal manipulation under anesthetic. Again immediate recovery of vision was measured. Gorman refers to studies which discuss ‘cervical Syndrome’ and personal experience with 6000 manipulation under anesthetic to support his theories that “spinal manipulation, by repositioning vertebrae, defuses the irritative focus, leading to relaxation of the cerebral vasculature.” Because the carotid artery supplies microcirculation to the optic nerve, he believes manipulation can affect this circulation by freeing up irritation to the arteries and restoring ‘normal’ flow. Make no mistake upper cervical manipulation does free up circulation to and from the brain. There is no other explanation for the results experienced by patients. In this case study he also discusses a ’60 Minutes’ episode which aired his technique and results, which were essentially denigrated by both the show and medical authorities. Chiropractors know only too well this prejudice. Upper cervical manipulation whether carried out under anesthetic of not, does produce results as Gorman shows. It’s not only vision losses which recover but a wide range of other conditions. Patients need to be given an opportunity to experience these healing approaches. Today that is not the case.
References  
Keywords chiropractic manipulation, visual loss, vision, cervical, migraine
 

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