CST Contraindications

Question 1

What is the main general contraindication of CST?

Answer 1

Any condition that would be exacerbated by change in the pressure of CSF.

Any time there is a concern with intracranial/intraspinal fluid pressure changes.

Question 2

Name some conditions that are contraindications for CST.

Answer 2

Increased intracranial pressure,
Herniated medulla oblongata (Arnold Chiari Malformation)
spina bifida (myelomeningocele)
acute stroke, 
recent skull fracture, 
CSF leak, 
recent cranial hemorrhage,
recent or current cerebral aneurysm

Question 3

What are contraindications for the “Platform”, including specific conditions?
11 are listed here:

Answer 3

Any concern for using the posterior weight of the unsupported head, 
recent fractures of C1 or C2, 
children under the age of 9, 
increased ligamentous laxity including rheumatoid arthritis, 
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, 
Down’s Syndrome, 
Osteoporosis, 
decreased bone density of this area, 
Marfan Syndrome, 
Arnold Chiari Malformation, and 
elderly or fragile systems.

Question 4

What are the contraindications of CST for children?

Answer 4

For children under 9 years of age the following is contraindicated:
No compression techniques,
No CV-4 Technique,
No platform for the occipital atlas release,
Cranial pumping in decompression only,
Stillpoint induction on the body only,

One must be very careful not to introduce any lesion patterns in a child, as the skull is still forming.
Touch and energetic presence must be very light. Instead of the 5 grams approach, a good approach is first, energetic touch, then easing in with 1 gram at a time, often not reaching the 5 grams.

Question 5

What are the contraindications of CST for geriatrics or fragile, frail, delicate systems?

Answer 5

It is best to avoid compression, full platform and to use a very light touch, and light energetic presence, similar to that for children.

Question 6

A woman with headaches since a car crash comes for CST treatment. Her headaches are unevaluated and unexplained. She complains of pressure behind the eyes. Is CST indicated or contraindicated?

Answer 6

contraindicated

Question 7

A man with a stroke 6 months previous who has been medically and vascularly stable since comes for CST. Is it indicated or contraindicated?

Answer 7

Indicated.