Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) occurs when there are small tears in the artery that passes through the upper vertebrae of the neck (the cervical spine), which can cause changes in blood flow to the brain and increase a person’s risks of stroke, disabling injuries, and wrongful death.
Although VAD can be caused by various accidents that cause injury to the cervical spine, a number of medical studies associate arterial dissection with chiropractic manipulation of the neck. These studies also suggest that VAD is commonly undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, putting chiropractic patients at great risk of severe harm.
If you or someone you love were diagnosed with vertebral artery dissection after a chiropractic adjustment, or if you believe medical professionals failed to diagnose a stroke, you may have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit. Our award-winning attorneys at The Becker Law Firm are available to review your case and determine how we can help anywhere in Cleveland or the state of Ohio.
Why Choose The Becker Law Firm?
With over 40 years of dedication, The Becker Law Firm maintains its strong reputation for success. Attorney Michael F. Becker, a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, has earned national recognition for his work representing the injured and wronged. Attorney Becker and our firm have excelled in complex malpractice claims across Ohio and the U.S., and have cultivated a proven record of success. This includes:
- Over $600 Million in compensation recovered for clients.
- Ohio record for the largest personal injury settlement for a single plaintiff.
- Multiple eight-figure settlements for victims of medical negligence.
- Recognition Among the Tier 1 “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report.
The Becker Law Firm is composed of proven and experienced lawyers, including attorneys who are Certified Civil Trial Specialists and Registered Nurses capable of drawing from their expertise. If you have a potential case, call (216) 621-3000 or contact us online for a free consultation.
What is Vertebral Artery Dissection?
Though rare, high-velocity neck manipulation performed by a chiropractor can result in a vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to stroke, permanent disability, or even death.
While chiropractic adjustment of the neck is meant to restore range of motion, it can pose risks of tearing the inner lining of the vertebral artery, one of the four major arteries that supply blood to the brain.
When a tear occurs, changes to blood flow in vessels leading to the brain can increase risks of stroke – either due to blood clots in the arterial wall breaking off and obstructing blood flow or narrowing of the vessel. Patients with VAD associated with chiropractic cervical manipulation may experience symptoms such as:
- Vertigo
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Blurred vision
- Ataxia (i.e. slurred speech, incoordination, etc.)
- Mild numbness and weakness of the extremities
Because VAD can pose risks of cerebellar stroke, inner ear or vestibular nerve dysfunction, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and fatal stroke (infarction or hemorrhage), chiropractors should inform patients of the risks and obtain consent prior to performing any high-velocity neck manipulation and ensure they meet accepted standards of their profession when performing adjustments.
Understanding Chiropractor Malpractice
Chiropractors, like all healthcare providers, are expected to follow a standard of care to ensure their treatments are safe and effective. Unfortunately, negligent practices can lead to severe outcomes, especially during high-velocity neck manipulations.
When chiropractors fail to properly screen patients for risk factors, inform them of the potential dangers, or perform adjustments incorrectly, they can breach their duty of care. Common scenarios of chiropractor malpractice leading to vertebral artery dissection include:
- Failing to assess the patient’s medical history and condition thoroughly
- Improper application of high-velocity, low-amplitude neck manipulations
- Ignoring symptoms that indicate an underlying cervical spine condition
At The Becker Law Firm, our team closely investigates the circumstances surrounding our client’s injuries to determine how and when their underlying condition occurred, and whether there are grounds to pursue legal action against a liable party. In medical malpractice cases, this often requires collaboration with relevant experts – including medical and chiropractic specialists – who can help determine what happened, and whether treating professionals failed in some manner to meet accepted standards.
Neck Manipulation & VAD
High-velocity neck manipulations are designed to restore motion or relieve discomfort but carry risks that patients may not always be informed of. Improper manipulation can lead to tears in the vertebral artery. If these tears go unnoticed or untreated, catastrophic outcomes like strokes, brain injuries, or even death may result.
Chiropractors are legally obligated to provide clear, informed consent to their patients about the risks associated with neck adjustments. Failing to do so or performing these adjustments negligently may form grounds for a chiropractic malpractice lawsuit.
Vertebral Artery Dissection Misdiagnosis
While early intervention and treatment can prevent strokes or reduce the severity of damage they cause, failures to diagnose stroke are among the most common claims made in medical malpractice cases.
Victims of misdiagnoses and failures to diagnose may claim treating medical professionals failed to recognize stroke symptoms and warning signs, failed to perform appropriate tests, or failed to administer essential treatments, among other allegations. This is particularly true of ischemic or hemorrhagic strokes that occur in the cerebellum, brainstem, or posterior region of the brain, and strokes that happen to younger patients.
In some cases, physicians may fail to diagnose a stroke by not properly evaluating patients or not responding appropriately when told that the patient recently had a chiropractic adjustment, was involved in a motor vehicle accident, or suffered a neck injury that could potentially cause arterial dissection.
Long-Term Effects of Vertebral Artery Dissection
The long-term effects of VAD vary depending on the severity and how quickly the condition is treated. Some patients recover fully with medical intervention, while others may experience permanent complications, including:
- Chronic pain and headaches
- Cognitive and neurological impairments (e.g., memory loss, speech difficulties)
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Paralysis or severe motor function loss
- Emotional and psychological distress
Recovery from VAD often requires extensive rehabilitation, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health counseling.
Can You Sue a Chiropractor for Vertebral Artery Dissection?
Yes, you can sue a chiropractor for vertebral artery dissection if their negligence contributed to your injury. Grounds for a lawsuit might include improper manipulation techniques, failure to inform patients of the risks, or not identifying red flags that should have contraindicated treatment.
Filing a lawsuit involves several steps, including collecting medical records, consulting with experts, and establishing how the chiropractor’s actions deviated from the accepted standard of care. Chiropractic malpractice settlements can vary widely based on the severity of the injury and the losses incurred.
Consulting with an experienced chiropractor malpractice lawyer is crucial for building a strong case and maximizing potential compensation.
What Damages Can Victims of Arterial Dissection/Chiropractic Malpractice Recover?
Victims who suffer harm and losses due to chiropractor malpractice, arterial dissection, and/or a missed or delayed diagnosis may have the right to recover financial compensation. While every case is different, compensation may be awarded for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical needs
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Permanent disability, cognitive deficits, and impairment (i.e. vision loss, aphasia, hemiplegia, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
Contact The Becker Law Firm for a Consultation
At The Becker Law Firm, our award-winning lawyers serve victims and families across Ohio after they’ve suffered losses due to medical malpractice - including malpractice committed by chiropractors who perform cervical manipulation and physicians who fail to diagnose stroke. We also welcome referrals from attorneys nationwide who need a proven team and resources to handle challenging claims.
To speak with an attorney about your potential case and how our firm can help, contact us. Consultations are FREE and confidential.
Holding Medical Professionals Accountable
If you or your loved one was injured, suffers from a permanent disability, or died as a result of medical malpractice, holding those caregivers accountable is more than just a right – it is a necessity. It is also a way to prevent future mistakes.
Having to pay large awards for medical mistakes is an incentive for caregivers and institutions to avoid making those same mistakes. By using the courts to hold them accountable, it ensures that your family has what it needs to cope with the consequences and protects other families from similar experiences.
As your representatives, our medical malpractice attorneys in Cleveland will get to the heart of your case, keep your family’s interests front and center, and won’t settle for anything less than the full justice you and your family deserve.
FAQ Section
How common is vertebral artery dissection from chiropractic adjustments?
While rare, high-velocity neck adjustments are a recognized risk factor for vertebral artery dissection. Chiropractors must adhere to strict standards to minimize these risks.
Can you sue a chiropractor for vertebral artery dissection?
Yes, victims may have grounds to sue if a chiropractor’s negligence contributed to their VAD.
What are the long-term effects of vertebral artery dissection?
Potential long-term effects include chronic pain, neurological impairments, vision loss, and impaired motor function.
What is the recovery process for vertebral artery dissection?
Recovery often requires medical care, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery.
