Monocular Scotomata and Spinal Manipulation:
The Step Phenomenon

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1996 (Jun); 19 (5): 344–349

Gorman RF

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OBJECTIVE:   To discuss a case history wherein microvascular spasm of the optic nerve was treated by spinal manipulation.

CLINICAL FEATURES:   A 62-yr-old man developed a scotoma in the vision of the right eye during chiropractic treatment.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME:   Spinal manipulation treatment was continued with total resolution of the scotoma. The rate of recovery of the scotoma was mapped using computerized static perimetry. These measurements showed that significant recovery occurred at each spinal manipulation treatment, producing a stepped graph.

CONCLUSION:   The use of computerized static perimetry to measure the cerebral effects of spinal manipulation has increased knowledge of how chiropractic works. The further recovery of vision with each spinal adjustment suggests that more treatment may be better than less treatment in the chiropractic management of such cases.

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