Osteopathic treatment of a person with Arnold-Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia: A case report

We present the case of a symptomatic patient diagnosed with Arnold Chiari I malformation (ACI) and Syringomyelia (S) who evolves favorably through an initial osteopathic treatment plan lasting 6 months and osteopathic maintenance treatment up to 36 months. The objectives of the treatment were to reduce pain and increase mobility of the shoulders and Scapular waist/Shoulder/Elbow/Wrist with a secondary objective to improve balance and coordination.

After the administration of 32 sessions of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) started in August 2020, applying an initial treatment plan of 6 sessions monthly the patient was asymptomatic with remission of pain and increased mobility in the shoulders and cervical spine and a normal neurological examination (including normal gait).

The main symptoms and relevant clinical findings were: functional impairment of the upper extremities that limited activities of daily living (ADLs) requiring assistance, headaches, cervical and dorsal spine pain in bilateral belt at T6 level, vertiginous sensation and gait instability. The patient was diagnosed with ACI and Syringomyelia in 2012. She received surgical and pharmacological treatment without clinical improvement and performed relaxation and breathing exercises on her own.

We present evidence of the beneficial effect of osteopathic treatment on the associated symptomatology in a case of ACI and Syringomyelia.