Chiropractic management of a patient with myasthenia gravis and vertebral subluxations.
OBJECTIVE
The chiropractic management of a patient with myasthenia gravis and vertebral subluxation is described. We discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment of patients with these diseases.


METHODS
The 63-year-old male patient suffered from complaints associated with the disease myasthenia gravis along with signs of vertebral subluxation. The patient had an initial complaint of dysphagia. In addition, the patient experienced swelling of the tongue, nausea, digestive problems, weakness in the eye muscles, difficulty breathing, myopia, diplopia, and headaches. Balance and coordination problems resulted in walking difficulties.


RESULTS
Contact specific, high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments were applied to sites of patient subluxation. Myasthenia gravis is no longer debilitating to the patient; he is medication free and has resumed a "normal life."


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical aspects of the disease, including the possible role of chiropractic intervention in the treatment of patients suffering from myasthenia gravis, are also discussed. This case study encourages further investigation into the holistic approach to patient management by chiropractors vis-a-vis specific adjustments of vertebral subluxation.
Alcantara
J
J
Palmer College of Chiropractic West, San Jose, California 95134, USA. alcantara_j@palmer.edu
Steiner
D M
DM
Plaugher
G
G
Alcantara
J
J
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008161:Lumbosacral Region / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome