Abstracto

Neurotransmitter Status and Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Commentary on Pathways, Testing, Clinical Utility and Treatment

Mark Morningstar

Neurotransmitter status in patients with idiopathic scoliosis can be an important tool in creating long-term management strategies in patients either not electing to pursue surgical treatment options, or those who wish to prevent scoliosis progression to surgical threshold. Idiopathic scoliosis patients seem to display common patterns of neurotransmitter imbalances not seen in nonscoliotic populations. Given the significant contribution of various neurotransmitter-mediated central nervous system pathways to postural control and feedback, treating neurotransmitter imbalances may be an important adjunct to non-operative treatments. This review provides a background on the postural functions associated with various neurotransmitters, as well as common treatments that may be used to facilitate neurotransmitter re-balancing.