This syndrome was first described by Dr. Robert Boyd, an osteopathic physician from Ireland. Boyd described the head as a bowling ball and because of its heavy weight, the bowling ball will shift to keep the head in balance. When there is an injury to the neck or skull, this trauma can cause a misalignment of the head resting on the atlas or the top cervical vertebra. This change in position can affect the flow of cerebral spinal fluid and even block the craniosacral pump. Many problems have been linked to the abnormality including chronic headaches, sinus infections, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome, and blockage of the optic canal which leads to glaucoma. Dr. Boyd developed a complex osteopathic manipulation to correct this defect, but this technique was limited since it required advanced osteopathic skills.
This treatment is not a cure for glaucoma, but for many people who have glaucoma, this is one of many beneficial alternative treatments that addresses the cause of the disease.
