Cerebral stroke in a semi-pro football player: a case report

Cervical spine trauma can clearly result in neurologic injury. An unusual traumatic event is a vascular insult of the vertebral arteries, potentially leading to stroke. The vertebral arteries are vulnerable to compression at several sites in the cervical spine. The high degree of physiologic rotation at the atlanto-axial joint places the vertebral artery at risk through normal daily activities as well as following forceful trauma, including manipulative treatment. Cerebrovascular insufficiency is an uncommon but serious complication of cervical spinal manipulation, which can lead to posterior circulatory impairment. Comprehensive diagnostic studies may be required to differentiate primary intracranial pathology from cerebral symptoms secondary to vascular compromise.