[Bilateral vertebral artery dissection during chiropractic treatment]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Chiropractic care is a complementary therapy focusing on musculoskeletal alignment.
• Cervical manipulation is a common chiropractic procedure involving neck adjustments.
• Potential adverse events associated with chiropractic manipulation require thorough investigation.

Observation:

• A previously healthy 42-year-old man developed sudden nausea, dizziness, and vision loss during chiropractic neck manipulation.
• The patient presented with complete blindness and dysarthria (difficulty speaking).

Findings:

• Imaging revealed bilateral vertebral artery dissection, a tear in the artery walls.
• An MRI scan confirmed extensive ischemia (lack of blood flow) in the vertebrobasilar territory, indicating a stroke.
• Complications from chiropractic treatment, particularly cervical manipulation, can be severe and potentially fatal.

Implications:

• This case highlights the critical risks associated with cervical chiropractic manipulation.
• There is a lack of controlled evidence supporting the benefits of chiropractic treatment.
• Informed consent is crucial; patients must be educated about the potential dangers of cervical manipulation before commencing treatment.