Cranial Dysfunction in Otitis Media

This research looked at otitis media from a osteopathic perspective. Children in grades kindergarten to three in one rural Missouri school district underwent osteopathic structural examination of the head as part of their routine school screening. A questionnaire was filled out by their guardians to determine information about their child's medical history and exposure to various environmental factors noted in previous research as possible risk factors in the development of middle ear infections. The examining physician was unaware of this information during the screening. Nine parameters from the questionnaire and fifteen potential structural findings were compared to the incidence of otitis media.

It was noted that as the number of cranial strain patterns increased, so did the incidence of otitis media. Those children who had plagiocephaly (abnormal head shape) at birth had an increased incidence of middle ear infections. Children whose siblings or parents demonstrated a history of otitis media had an increased frequency of otitis media. Those who were exposed concomitantly to tobacco smoke and wood heat also had an increased incidence. No statistical significance was noted between nonphysiologic cranial strain patterns, temporal bone or occipital condylar restriction, exposure to tobacco smoke, day care nor specific feeding patterns during infancy and the development of middle ear infections.
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The prevelence of cranial dysfunction in children with a history of otitis media from kindergarten to third grade. BF Degenhardt, DO, et al. 38th Annual AOA Conference Abstracts, 1994