EPIC Technique Spinal Procedure Improves Ocular Motion and Dizziness by Resolving Cranial Nerve VI Palsy.

This case study demonstrates that craniocervical spinal alignment with the EPIC technique spinal procedure appears to have a potential positive impact on ocular function. This paper will report the case of a patient with cranial nerve VI palsy and dizziness, and the clinical improvements following treatment with the soundwave technology of the EPIC technique spinal procedure [1].

Objective: To report the case of a patient with cranial nerve VI (CN VI) palsy and the clinical changes that occurred after receiving treatment using the EPIC (Evolutionary Percussion Instrument Corrections) technique spinal procedure.

Clinical presentation and evaluation: A 52-year-old female presented with acute insidious onset of cranial nerve VI palsy with complaints of headache and feelings of increased head pressure. Upon eye movement exam, left eye abduction was absent which additionally caused double vision. A neurovascular physical examination using the EPIC technique protocols revealed evidence of the presence of craniocervical subluxation.

Radiographic findings: A four-view pre-adjustment digital radiographic series of the craniocervical region was taken and analyzed utilizing the EPIC technique protocols. The patient's epigenetic structural profile (aka. epigenetic profile) was ascertained as well as the multidimensional vertebral malalignments between occiput (C0), atlas (C1), axis (C2), and angle of lower neck deviation (aka. misalignment profile).The C1 vertebra was laterally displaced to the right in a -θZ direction, and rotationally displaced in a +θY direction. C2 was rotationally displaced in a -θY direction (aka. "spinous left") with a lower neck deviated to the left in a +θZ direction. It is important to note the opposite rotational displacement of C1 and C2 about the Y axis, referred to as counter-rotational malpositions of C1/C2 [1] also referred to as a "variable subluxation" [2].Numerous epigenetic variations were present, the most important of which was bilateral elongated styloid processes observed down to the level of C1 transverse processes.A single correction vector was then calculated based on both the epigenetic and misalignment profiles of data. [1].

Intervention and outcomes: The patient was given a single soundwave impulse treatment (correction) to her craniocervical region according to the EPIC technique protocols of care using the Integrity Genesis adjusting instrument [1]. Immediately following the initial correction, the patient was re-evaluated for the presence of subluxation using the EPIC neurovascular physical exam and radiographic assessments. Findings revealed neurovascular indicators of subluxation were no longer present. A two-view post-adjustment EPIC digital radiographic series was taken to measure the biomechanical/structural changes from the treatment. Post-adjustment analysis revealed 95% reduction of C1 laterality (θZ), 22% reduction of C1 rotation (θY), 47% reduction of C2 rotation (θY), and 8% reduction in lower neck deviation (θZ). The C1 and C2 counter-rotations reduced by a combined 38%.After the initial EPIC adjustment, the patient's atlas was adjusted three times total in nine office visits over a six-week period. Three days after the first adjustment, limited abduction was restored to the left eye, but by the fifth week of care, left eye abduction was fully restored and the patient no longer experienced double vision. Patient also reported significant reduction in headaches with much less intensity compared to symptomatology she experienced prior to initiating care.

Conclusion: This patient's functional ocular improvement following the EPIC technique spinal alignment procedure appears to indicate a potential correlation with craniocervical alignment and cranial nerve function. There are potential vascular correlations between the craniocervical junction and cranial nerve function, however the exact mechanisms of functional improvement is still unknown.It is inherently very difficult to draw any conclusions from a single case study, and more research is needed in the area of craniocervical specific chiropractic care and the impact on cranial nerve function and fluid flow dynamics. However, due to the low risks associated with the EPIC technique spinal procedure and the positive patient outcomes demonstrated in this case, the EPIC procedure deserves further investigation for its potential utilization in cases involving cranial nerve dysfunction.