Cerebrovascular Accident Without Chiropractic Manipulation: A Case Report
Received 6 October 2005
Objective
To discuss the case of a patient with chronic headache. Although not in severe pain at time of consultation, signs and symptoms raised concern. The patient later had a cerebrovascular accident.
Clinical Features
A 49-year-old man with non-traumatic chronic episodic head and neck pain presented for care. Examination and plain film radiographs were unremarkable, suggesting a mechanical origin for the symptoms; however, information in the case history raised concerns.
Intervention and Outcome
The patient was examined and not manipulated by the doctor of chiropractic but referred back to his general practitioner for a second opinion. The following week, the patient was admitted to hospital having had a cerebrovascular accident.
Conclusion
The possible indication of the prodrome to a stroke may lie in the case history rather than the examination findings and provocative testing.
aSenior Lecturer, Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, School of Applied Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales, UK
bReader Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, School of Applied Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales, UK
Submit requests for reprints to: Annabel L. Kier, DC, Welsh Institute of Chiropractic, School of Applied Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF37 1DL Wales, UK.
ABSTRACT