Diagnosis and Chiropractic Treatment of Infant Headache Based on Behavioral Presentation and Physical Findings: A Retrospective Series of 13 Cases
Received 29 April 2009; received in revised form 13 July 2009; accepted 27 July 2009.
Abstract
Objective
This case series presents information on diagnosis and treatment of 13 cases of benign infant headache presenting to a chiropractic teaching clinic.
Clinical Features
A retrospective search was performed for files of infants presenting with probable headache revealing 13 cases of headache from 350 files.
Intervention and Outcomes
Thirteen cases (6 females, 7 males) from 2 days old to 8.5 months old were identified by behavioral presentation, parental, or medical diagnosis. In the cohort, historical findings included: birth trauma, assisted birth, familial headache history and feeding difficulty. Examination and behavioral findings were grabbing or holding of the face, ineffective latching, grimacing and positional discomfort, rapping head against the floor, photophobia and anorexia. Posterior joint restrictions of the cervical spine were found in these cases. No cases of malignant headache were found. All infants received a trial of chiropractic care including manual therapy.
Conclusion
This case series offers information about potential signs of benign infant headache. The patients in this study responded favorably to chiropractic management.
aChiropractor, Private Practice, Brussels, Belgium and Student, MSc Advanced Professional Practice Chiropractic Paediatrics, Anglo-European College of Chiropratic, Bournemouth, UK
bLead Tutor, MSc Advanced Professional Practice Paediatrics, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
cChiropractor, Private Practice, Newport, Shropshire, UK
Submit requests for reprints to: Aurélie M. Marchand, DC, 58 Avenue V. Rousseau, 1190 Bruxelles, Belgium.
ABSTRACT