• Russell BS
• Hosek RS
• Hoiriis KT
• Drake ED

• Affiliation / Life University. Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research
• Affiliation(G) / United States / Georgia / Marietta
• Aged
• Bilateral Vestibulopathy
• Eye Movement Measurements
• Male
• Manipulation, Chiropractic / instrumentation
• Open Access Document
• Ophthalmoplegia, Chronic Progressive External
• Postural Balance

Objective: The purpose of this report is to describe care of a patient with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia and bilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Clinical Features: A 66-year-old patient presented with limited eye movement and mild ptosis, which led to a diagnosis of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Rotary chair testing suggested vestibular involvement. Other symptoms included dizziness, problems with balance, and chronic stiffness in his cervical and thoracic regions. He had anxiety about loss of function and limited exercise habits because of fear of falling. Examination methods included balance assessment, kinetic aspects of walking, and videonystagmography.

Intervention and Outcome: He had already begun regular practice of vestibular rehabilitation exercises before receiving 18 sessions of manual and instrument-assisted chiropractic manipulation, along with mobilization, stretching, and transverse massage, over 37 weeks. In addition to self-reported improvements, there was substantially decreased postural sway during balance assessment and there were small improvements in eye movement, ptosis, and walking.

Conclusion: This patient showed improvements in balance, eye movements, and walking while undergoing multimodal chiropractic care and practicing eye and balance exercises.

Author keywords: Bilateral Vestibulopathy; Eye Movement Measurements; Postural Balance; Manipulation, Chiropractic; Ophthalmoplegia, Chronic Progressive External

Author affiliations: Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research, Life University, Marietta, Georgia, United States

This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher; click on the above link for free full text. PubMed Record