Could I Suffer a Stroke from Chiropractic Treatment?

Stroke as a result of chiropractic adjustment is rare. However, the risk may be slightly higher in certain people depending on the type of chiropractic adjustment they have. Medical evidence supports a recognizable risk of stroke resulting from chiropractic care.

Could you or a loved one have suffered a stroke after receiving chiropractic adjustments for pain or injuries? A Chiropractor Malpractice Attorney at Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta can help.

Chiropractic Care and Stroke

There appears to be evidence that chiropractic adjustments may increase the risk of stroke in some people.

• The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) warns that spinal manipulation can carry a risk of stroke.
• Another study from 2018 verified that patients with a high risk of vertebral artery dissection are at a much higher risk of stroke after certain types of chiropractic manipulation, particularly involving the neck and head. Fortunately, the percentage of the population this could affect is quite small.

It is important to note that certain chiropractic treatments in the neck or cervical region can be risky if not performed with proper care. Reckless techniques can damage the arteries and brain stem, leading to arterial bleeding and potentially causing a blood clot that deprives the brain of oxygen and leads to a stroke. In cases where a stroke is induced by chiropractic treatments due to negligence or lack of warning from the chiropractor, it may be grounds for a chiropractor malpractice lawsuit. It is always recommended to discuss any potential risks with your chiropractor before undergoing any treatment.

Recommended Actions for a Stroke

Could you or a loved one have suffered a stroke after seeing a chiropractor? Follow these recommendations from the American Heart Association to spot a stroke:

Use the F.A.S.T. warning signs to spot a stroke in someone

• F — Face: One side of a person’s face may droop or feel numb during a stroke.
• A — arm weakness: One arm may be numb or weak, and a person may struggle to lift it.
• S — speech: A person’s speech may be slurred.
• T — time to call 911: A person should call emergency services immediately; acting quickly can help minimize brain damage.

Other serious symptoms may include:

• Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause

Atlanta, GA, Chiropractic Induced Stroke Lawsuit Lawyer

While a chiropractic induced stroke may be rare, it is possible, especially in those already at a higher risk for arterial dissection or tearing. Rigorous spinal or cervical manipulation could cause damage leading to a stroke. Moriarty Injury Lawyer in Atlanta handles medical malpractice lawsuits for injured patients of chiropractors and other medical professionals.

If you or a loved one suffered a stroke soon after undergoing chiropractic treatment, contact us to schedule a confidential consultation as soon as possible.