Traumatic vertebrobasilar occlusive disease in childhood

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Updated: Sep 17, 2026

Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats
07:56

Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model of Neonatal Stroke in P10 Rats

Published on: April 21, 2017

A W Zimmerman, A J Kumar, N Gadoth

    Neurology
    |February 1, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Chiropractic manipulation of the neck may cause serious harm, including stroke, in children. This case highlights the potential risks of cervical spine manipulation in pediatric patients, especially those with prior trauma.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Pediatrics
    • Chiropractic Medicine

    Background:

    • A 7-year-old boy with a history of birth trauma experienced headaches and cranial nerve deficits after vigorous gymnastics and chiropractic neck manipulation.
    • Cerebellar dysfunction and a visual field defect developed progressively.

    Observation:

    • Computerized axial tomography revealed a cerebellar infarction.
    • Arteriograms demonstrated vertebral and basilar artery occlusions.

    Findings:

    • The study suggests that passive cervical spine stretching during chiropractic maneuvers could cause vertebral artery thrombosis.
    • This thrombosis may lead to embolization into the basilar artery circulation, resulting in cerebellar infarction.

    Implications:

    • This case underscores the potential risks associated with chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine in children.
    • Healthcare providers should exercise caution when considering chiropractic interventions for pediatric patients, particularly those with a history of birth trauma or other risk factors.

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