Chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with myasthenia gravis☆
Received 8 May 2001; received in revised form 13 August 2001
Abstract
Objective
To describe the chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with complaints associated with myasthenia gravis.
Clinical features
A 2-year-old girl was provided chiropractic care at the request and consent of her parents for complaints of ptosis and generalized muscle weakness (ie, lethargy), particularly in the lower extremities. Prior to entry into chiropractic management, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and acetylcholine receptor antibody tests were performed with negative results. However, the Tensilon test was positive and the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was made by a pediatrician and seconded by a medical neurologist.
Intervention and outcome
The patient was cared for with contact-specific, high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments to sites of vertebral subluxation complexes in the upper cervical and sacral spine. The patient’s response to care was positive and after 5 months of regular chiropractic treatment her symptoms abated completely.
Conclusion
There are indications that patients suffering from disorders “beyond low back pain” as presented in this case report may derive benefits from chiropractic intervention/management.
aResearch Director, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Media, Pa, and Research Associate, Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, Santa Cruz, Calif, USA
bDirector of Research, Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, Calif, and Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, Santa Cruz, Calif, USA
cPrivate practice of chiropractic, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Submit requests for reprints to: Dr Gregory Plaugher, Life Chiropractic College West, 2001 Industrial Blvd, Hayward, CA 94545, USA
☆ This study was funded by Life Chiropractic College West, Hayward, California, the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society, Santa Cruz, California, and the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Media, Pennsylvania.
ABSTRACT