Embolisms

Chiropractic-induced strokes are a medical occurrence that many people have never heard about. Sudden twisting of the neck by a chiropractor may damage  fragile arteries in and around the cervical spine, which causes a bleed that may induce a stroke. This is sadly underreported in medical literature and chiropractors are reluctant to acknowledge the link between chiropractic neck manipulation and strokes.

The  attorneys at the Abelson Law Firm, based out of the Washington  DC have a successful track record of representing clients nationwide who have suffered a stroke resulting from a chiropractic neck manipulation. If you or someone you care about has had a stroke in the hours, days or weeks following a neck manipulation or adjustment by a chiropractor, please contact a chiropractor malpractice lawyer from our law firm using the online contact form, or by calling 202-331-0600 or 1-888-797-4242.

How Embolisms Form

An embolism is a bloodstream blockage caused by a blood clot, air bubble, fat, or other substance (known as the embolus). An embolus travels through the bloodstream until it reaches a narrow passage, at which point it becomes lodged, blocking blood and oxygen flow. This can happen in many parts of the body. When an embolism occurs in the brain, it can cause a potentially fatal stroke.

The brain requires large amounts of oxygen, carried by the blood, and this is supplied through the carotid and vertebral arteries, which run along the cervical spine in the neck. A cervical adjustment or cervical manipulation performed by a chiropractor is often achieved through a sudden twisting of the neck, which can cause a tear in the carotid or vertebral arteries. This tear will then bleed and likely turn into a blood clot, or thrombus, that cuts off blood flow to the brain and causes a chiropractic stroke.

Although some strokes caused by a chiropractic neck adjustment may occur within hours of treatment, many do not happen until days later. A blood clot may not break free and impede blood flow to the brain until well after chiropractic manipulation, which is why stroke victims often do not recognize that it was caused by chiropractic manipulation. This is the principal reason why chiropractic strokes are grossly underreported.

As the medical literature develops concerning the connection between chiropractic malpractice and strokes, however, it is increasingly obvious that embolisms can be caused by cervical manipulation. If you believe that you suffered a stroke from a chiropractic cervical manipulation, an attorney from the Abelson Law Firm can help. Working with a board certified physician, we can determine the extent of your injuries due to the chiropractic manipulation, as well as medical care and treatment you will require in the future as a result of the stroke. To schedule a free consultation for your case originating anywhere in the United States, call our Washington DC area office at 202-331-0600, or 1-888-797-4242. You may also contact us online.