Osteopathic manipulative treatment for pediatric Long-COVID headache: A case report

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a disease with global impact, and in the United States alone, approximately 20 % of children have had SARS-CoV-2. Long-COVID affects a significant number of children and adults with an incidence reported as high as 57 % for a SARS-CoV-2 sequelae. Currently, a gold standard treatment has not been identified for long-COVID. There have been pathologic mechanisms of action proposed for long-COVID, but this is complicated by the wide variety of symptom manifestations. Objectives: The goal of this case report is to demonstrate and discuss the application of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and osteopathic principles and practices (OPP) in a patient with long-COVID headache. Clinical features: In our case report we describe a child with long-COVID headache of 12 -months duration with high somatic dysfunction burden found on cranial osteopathic structural examination. Intervention and outcomes: OMT was utilized to treat a patient with long-COVID headache and may have resulted in its resolution. Conclusions: This case suggests that OMT and OPP may play a role in the treatment of patients with long-COVID headache. Implications for practice: center dot Our case report highlights OPP as a potential treatment option that may be complimentary to other treatments for pediatric patients experiencing long-COVID headache. center dot Our case report emphasizes the significance of individualized treatment plans, as osteopaths provide in a tailored fashion to each patient based upon their unique history and physical exam findings. center dot Our case report utilizing OMT promotes a non -pharmacological intervention and fosters opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. center dot Our case report sparks interest in further research and clinical trials to investigate the efficacy of OMT in pediatric long-COVID cases and its potential application in a broader range of post -viral syndromes.