Analysis of the effects of craniosacral osteopathy on dizziness and balance in patients with peripheral vertigo

This study was planned with the purpose of analyzing the effects of craniosacral osteopathy on dizziness and balance in patients with peripheral vertigo. A total of 30 individuals, 24 of whom are female (80%) and 6 of whom are male (20%) between 24-50 years of age were included in the study. Our study was then separated into two groups as the treatment and control groups. Patients who wished to completely quit vestibular suppressant medicine were placed in the craniosacral treatment group and patients who wished to quit taking all medicine were placed in the control group. Both groups included 15 individuals each. The individuals were evaluated in terms of dizziness and balance. In the evaluation of dizziness, the visual analog scale (VAS) was used. Balance was evaluated with the Berg balance test and The Activities Specific Balance – Confidence Scale, ABC. The craniosacral treatment program was applied for 6 séances once a week. All individuals included in the study were evaluated at 3 different times for the duration of the 6 week treatment, as prior to the treatment and on the 3rd and 6th weeks of the treatment. At the end of the treatment, when the prior to and after treatment groups were compared within themselves, it was determined that there was a significant recovery in both groups in terms of dizziness and balance (p<0.05). When the groups were compared with each other, it was observed that craniosacral osteopathy was more effective on dizziness and balance in comparison to the group who took medicine (p<0.05). As a result, we think that craniosacral osteopathy can be used in addition with other treatments as an alternative treatment in patients with peripheral vertigo and that new studies are needed to be able to form evidence related to the subject.