An Osteopathic Approach to Vertigo with Galbreath Technique: A Case Report

Abstract

Vertigo is a symptom with a wide range of etiologies as diverse as the patients it affects. The wide spectrum of etiologies can make a diagnosis difficult and therefore delay definitive treatment. The diagnosis is not commonly linked to somatic dysfunctions, however these somatic dysfunctions may be contributing to or causing a problem altogether. This case highlights the importance of investigating for somatic dysfunctions related to a patient’s presentation. A 73-year-old female presented with a history of vertigo and a current feeling of fullness and ringing in her ears. She was found to have significant Eustachian tube dysfunction related to her condition. An osteopathic approach with emphasis on the Galbreath technique was utilized to relieve her ear symptoms and decrease her ongoing episodes of vertigo.