The Management of Balance and Proprioception Discrepancies for a Patient with Cervicogenic Headache: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Previous research studies have established a link between cervical dysfunction, proprioception, and balance deficits in patients with cervicogenic headache. However, no current research exists to determine if the implementation of a balance program for these patients has any effect on their balance and proprioception capabilities. This case study aimed to identify if significant changes can be made the overall balance of a patient with cervicogenic headache as measured by the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test. Case Description: The patient was a 50-year-old female, who had been suffering from long term cervicogenic headaches with increasing frequency and intensity for 6 months. Outcomes: The patient was seen for six visits over six weeks for balance training in addition to traditional physical therapy interventions including manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. After 6 sessions the patient made an overall improvement in balance (+7.9%) measured via the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test and clinically significant improvements in reported pain via the Headache Disability Index (91.6%), Neck Disability Index (63.6%) and the Visual Analog Scale (2.5 points). Discussion: This case report demonstrates when balance training is added to standard manual therapy interventions for the management of cervicogenic headache you can successfully improve overall balance control measured with the NeuroCom Sensory Organization Test. Further research is necessary to further validate balance programming as a key intervention strategy for the general population with cervicogenic headache and guide decision-making for these patients.