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.
Key Indexing Terms
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Article info
Publication history
Received:
October 6,
2005
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 National University of Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
