Diseases of the Sensory System

Diseases of the Eye

Astigmatism-abnormal refraction of light coming into the eye

Cause: irregular curvature of the cornea or lens of unknown cause.

Contraindication/indications: none.

Myopia-nearsightedness.

Cause: elongation of the eyeball, causing the image to focus too far forward, before it reaches the retina.

Contraindication/indications: none.

Hyperopia-farsightedness.

Cause: compaction of the eyeball, causing the image to focus behind the retina.

Contraindication/indications: none.

Nyctalopia-night blindness.

Cause: retinal degeneration; vitamin A deficiency.

Contraindication/indications: none.

Presbyopia-farsightedness in older adults.

Cause: advancing age.

Contraindication/indications: none.

Conjunctivitis (pinkeye)-inflammation of the conjunctiva.

Cause: bacterial or viral infection; allergies, trauma.

Contraindication/indications: highly contagious; consult doctor before performing bodywork.

Strabismus-deviation of the eye.

Causes: inherited trait; trauma or injury to the eye or brain.

Contraindication/indications: none.

Glaucoma-a condition in which excessive pressure builds up within the eye; 3 times more common in blacks than whites.

Causes: obstruction (usually hereditary origin) of the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye owing to blockage in the canal of Schlemm (the canal that drains the aqueous humor from the anterior chamber).

Contraindication/indications: facial massage can reduce stress from eyestrain.

Cataract-clouding of the lens or cornea that blocks light rays from entering the eye.

Causes: inherited trait; trauma; exposure to the elements; degeneration resulting from advancing age; medical problems such as diabetes.

Contraindication/indications: none.

Pathology

Introduction to disease

Diseases of the Ear

Presbycusis-progressive loss of hearing in older adults.

Causes: advancing age.

Contraindication/indications: none.

Tinnitus-ringing in the ear.

Causes: presbycusis; ear infections; ostosclerosis; head injury.

Contraindication/indications: use caution when working around the ears; massage in this area may loosen fluid build-up in the inner ear; craniosacral work may be effective.

Otitis media-inflammation of the middle ear; common in young children; painful condition leading to fever and diminished hearing.

Cause: microbes spread from upper respiratory infection through the internal auditory canal (eustachiantube) and infect the middle ear.

Contraindication/indications: consult with doctor.

Otitis interna (labryinthitis)-inflammation of the internal ear; usually produces vertigo (dizziness), loss of balance, and nausea.

Cause: microbial infection of the inner ear.

Contraindication/indications: consult with doctor.

Meniere disease-a disorder involving the labyrinth of the inner ear; usually lasts for a few years; leads to a progressive loss of hearing in the affected ear, accompanied by attacks of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity, to loud sounds, tinnitus, and headache that can last for minutes or hours; most common among men between 40 and 60 years of age.

Causes: most cases are unknown cause; head injury; middle ear infection.

Contraindication/indications: for acute situations, bed rest is the treatment of choice; overall massage for relaxation can be effective; craniosacral work may also be effective.