None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Scalp dysesthesia is characterised by abnormal cutaneous sensations such as burning, stinging or itching of the scalp in the absence of objective dermatological findings. Scalp dysesthesia has been associated with cervical spine dysfunction, however there is no unified pathogenesis or agreed upon effective treatment. We hypothesise that the unpleasant sensations of scalp dysesthesia are the result of a sensory neuropathy secondary to cervical spine dysfunction. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the use of an exercise protocol consisting of cervical spine range of movement exercises, gentle mobilisation and muscle stretches over 4 weeks.
Interventions
Study participants will be provided with access to an online questionnaire. Baseline patient characteristics and the severity of pruritus, measured through a validated VAS of 0 to 10, will be collected. At the conclusion of the questionnaire study participants will be provided with a Physiotherapist designed exercise protocol, with accompanying clear instructions and photographs detailing how to effectively complete them. Study participants will be instructed to complete these exercises twice a
Study participants will be provided with access to an online questionnaire. Baseline patient characteristics and the severity of pruritus, measured through a validated VAS of 0 to 10, will be collected. At the conclusion of the questionnaire study participants will be provided with a Physiotherapist designed exercise protocol, with accompanying clear instructions and photographs detailing how to effectively complete them. Study participants will be instructed to complete these exercises twice a day for 4 weeks independently. The exercise protocol consists of 4 stretches and 2 cervical ranging exercises with strict instructions on how to perform the exercises and accompanying instructional photos. The exercise program should take approximately 10 minutes to complete each time. The exercise protocol is based on empirical knowledge and specifically designed to lengthen muscles which restrict cervical movement and restore segmental cervical range. Compliance and VAS will be self assessed through weekly questionnaires. No strategies will be used to maintain or improve fidelity
Sponsors
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Age between 18-70+ Diagnosis of scalp dysesthesia Possess sufficient English language skills to give consent complete all questionnaires.
Exclusion criteria
Inability to provide informed consent A whiplash injury within the past 6 weeks History of spinal tumours, spinal infection, cervical spine fracture, vertebrobasilar insufficiency or previous neck surgery Any pending legal action regarding neck pain A diagnosis of central cervical spinal stenosis Bilateral upper extremity neurological symptoms Two positive neurologic findings at the same nerve root level Musculoskeletal deformity such as severe spondylolysis or spondylolithesis
Outcome results
None listed