The chiropractic care of an 11-year-old with a medical diagnosis of conversion disorder

ObjectiveTo describe the chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with complaints of spinal pain, headaches, motor dysfunction and left leg and left arm twitching concomitant with a diagnosis of conversion disorder.Clinical featuresThree and half months following a fall on her head from the monkey bars, the patient presented for chiropractic care with complaints of neck pain, dizziness, severe headaches, significant left leg and left arm twitching (i.e., similar to patellar and biceps deep tendon reflex testing), and poor motor control of the lower extremities. Medical testing (i.e., neurological and imaging studies) to find an organic cause in her twitching was unsuccessful. The patient was placed on Montelukast, Naproxen, Valium, Prednisone and Ibuprofen medications. The patient's activities of daily living were severely affected as well as her ability to attend school.Intervention and outcomeChiropractic spinal manipulative therapy and adjunctive therapy consisting of rehabilitative exercises were provided to the patient. Following 30 patient visits, the patient no longer suffered from headaches or neck pain and resolution of her left leg and left arm twitching. The patient was able to resume her school and various activities of daily living.ConclusionThis case report provides supporting evidence that pediatric patients with a diagnosis of conversion disorder may benefit from chiropractic care.