Case Study: Supporting Learning, Concentration, and Health in a College Student
Presenting Concerns: Academic Demands and Physical Symptoms
S. sought MNRI treatment as she was having significant difficulty with concentration, comprehension while reading, memory and severe headaches as she moved into her final year in college for pre-med. While studying she could only attend with concentration for 15–20 minutes at time and needed frequent breaks. She was obviously very intelligent to have gotten to this point, but was struggling in this final year and fearful that she wouldn’t pass and graduate.
Evaluation Findings: Reflex Activity and Visual-Motor Challenges
Evaluation showed that several reflexes were active, and her visual motor tracking and fixation abilities were diminished.
Treatment Plan and Commitment
We met weekly for 3 months, and as she improved then began meeting every other week through the rest of the school year. During sessions we worked deeply using MNRI techniques, and between sessions she was dedicated to completing the home program exercises.
Improvements in Concentration, Comprehension, and Headaches
She saw great improvement in the length she could study and concentrate, had a decrease in the number and length of migraines, and found comprehension easier. In fact, when she didn’t do the home program daily, even when on the extended winter break, her headaches returned and she had a harder time concentrating.
Outcome: Academic Success and Future Direction
She passed that final year to go on to take her MCATT and a future in medicine.
Understanding the Underlying Factors
While it seemed odd that she suddenly was having trouble in her final year of college, the array of reflexes that weren’t working are the ones often associated with learning disorders; both her younger brothers had dyslexia. It is entirely possible that her very high intelligence, strong drive and compensatory methods had masked a learning disorder until the work became so overwhelming that she started having physical symptoms.
