International Journal of the Osteopathic Medicine

Abstract: The following case reports present the effect of treating proposed cranial bone dysfunctions on chronic somatic tinnitus, following head trauma, with one year follow up. Both cases were suffering from chronic tinnitus on the right side without any otic pathology or temporomandibular dysfunctions. Temporary and limited effects of medications and other treatments on their persistent tinnitus had a negative effect on their social interactions and quality of life. Both patients were considered to demonstrate marked sphenoid, temporal and occipital bone dysfunctions, based on manual cranial treatment. Active tender points were also identified with intra-oral palpation and examination on the lateral pterygoid muscle on the right side.

Manual therapy of the cranial bones for restoration of normal alignment and cranial rhythm and myofascial release technique to deactivate tender points on the lateral pterygoid had a significant effect on reducing the persistent tinnitus in both patients. At one-year follow up, both patients reported significant improvement in their quality of life and social interactions without recurrence of their tinnitus symptoms. The findings of this study suggest that cranial manual therapy and myofascial release technique could be a potential treatment for somatic tinnitus in patients with no otic pathology or temporomandibular disorders.

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