Can chiropractic manipulation cause vertebral artery dissection?
A retrospective study of stroke cases at two major academic medical centers, led by University of California, San Francisco neurologists, indicates that chiropractic manipulation of the neck can cause vertebral artery dissection, a tearing of the vertebral artery leading to the brain that causes stroke or transient …
How common is vertebral artery dissection from chiropractic?
Vertebral artery aneurysms and dissections are known complications of spinal manipulation procedures (1, 2). An estimated 1 in 20,000 spinal manipulations results in a vertebral artery aneurysm/dissection and ischemic infarct, but the exact incidence of this complication is unknown (3).
Can a chiropractic neck adjustment cause a stroke?
If you’re in the habit of having your neck adjusted by a chiropractor, Michigan Medicine neurologist Mollie McDermott, M.D., wants to share some important information: High-velocity neck manipulation can result in a vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to stroke.
How common is stroke after chiropractor?
Chiropractic adjustments causing strokes are rare, according to Haboubi. “Yeah, we do see it. It is a rare complication. It occurs in about 1 in ever 20,000 spinal manipulations.
What happens after a chiropractic adjustment?
After your adjustment you may feel amazing, as range of motion is improved, circulation begins to be restored to affected areas, and your muscles begin to relax. You might also experience some tenderness, as your body begins to move into the correct positions.
How is vertebral artery dissection detected?
It is usually diagnosed with a contrast-enhanced CT or MRI scan. Vertebral dissection may occur after physical trauma to the neck, such as a blunt injury (e.g. traffic collision), or strangulation, or after sudden neck movements, i.e. coughing, but may also happen spontaneously.
Is chiropractic neck manipulation safe?
The American Chiropractic Association says that “neck manipulation is a remarkably safe procedure. Perle and other chiropractors cite a 2008 Canadian study that found that of those who had strokes following neck manipulation, most had already been having symptoms suggestive of a stroke.
How long does vertebral artery dissection take to heal?
Warfarin is typically continued for 3–6 months, as during this time the flow through the artery usually improves, and most strokes happen within the first 6 months after the development of the dissection. Some regard 3 months as sufficient.
What are the risks of chiropractic neck adjustments?
The high velocity thrust used in cervical manipulation can produce significant strain on carotid and vertebral vessels. Once a dissection has occurred, the risk of thrombus formation, ischemic stroke, paralysis, and even death is drastically increased.
What is vertebral artery dissection?
Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a flap-like tear of the inner lining of the vertebral artery, which is located in the neck and supplies blood to the brain. After the tear, blood enters the arterial wall and forms a blood clot, thickening the artery wall and often impeding blood flow.
What should I avoid after chiropractic adjustment?
After your adjustment, you don’t want your body to immediately revert to the same position it was in. Avoid sitting for long periods of time after seeing the chiropractor, if possible, and enjoy the mobility that your adjustment has created by going for a long walk, or take a bike ride.
Does chiropractic neck manipulation cause vertebral artery dissection?
Vertebral artery dissections after chiropractic neck manipulation in Germany over three years Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) has been observed in association with chirotherapy of the neck. However, most publications describe only single case reports or a small number of cases.
What are the possible complications of vertebral artery dissection?
The vertebral arteries are at risk for aneurysm formation and/or dissection, which can cause acute stroke. Young patients may develop central nervous system infarcts following cardioembolic events, paradoxic emboli through intracardiac shunts, vasculitis, and vascular trauma in the neck.
What are the possible complications of chiropractic manipulation of the brain?
However, complications arising from chiropractic manipulation, especially vertebral artery dissection (VAD), may be seen in younger patients, causing VBI or cerebellar or brainstem infarct.
Can chiropractic manipulation cause cerebellar infarct?
Abstract. However, complications arising from chiropractic manipulation, especially vertebral artery dissection (VAD), may be seen in younger patients, causing VBI or cerebellar or brainstem infarct. This condition is rare but clinically significant, as its rarity and sometimes clinically atypical presentation can lead to misdiagnosis,…