Chiropractic care is widely used for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly neck and back pain. While most sessions are uneventful, there is a rare but serious risk associated with certain spinal manipulations—particularly those involving the neck. In some cases, neck adjustments have been linked to vertebral artery dissection, a condition that can lead to a stroke.
When a chiropractic adjustment causes or contributes to a stroke or hypoxic brain injury, patients and their families may have grounds for a legal claim. Working with a chiropractic malpractice attorney, hypoxic brain injury attorney, or brain injury law firm can help victims understand their rights and pursue compensation for medical negligence.
How Neck Adjustments Can Lead to Stroke
Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine are performed to relieve pressure, improve mobility, and treat pain. However, rapid, forceful manipulation of the neck can sometimes cause trauma to the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brain.
If the lining of one of these arteries is torn—a condition called vertebral artery dissection—a blood clot may form and block blood flow to the brain, causing an ischemic stroke. The risk is particularly concerning when:
- The manipulation is performed too forcefully
- The patient has underlying vascular conditions or is unaware of existing risks
- There is no proper screening before the procedure
Though strokes following chiropractic care are rare, the consequences can be devastating and permanent, especially when not promptly recognized.
Recognizing the Signs of Stroke After a Chiropractic Adjustment
Patients who experience a stroke after a neck adjustment may develop symptoms either immediately or within a few hours or days. It’s important to seek emergency care if any of the following symptoms occur after chiropractic treatment:
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- Severe headache
- Vision problems (double vision or partial blindness)
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body
- Difficulty walking or coordination problems
Delayed diagnosis or treatment of stroke symptoms can worsen the injury and increase the likelihood of hypoxic brain injury, where oxygen deprivation causes further damage to brain tissue.
What Is a Hypoxic Brain Injury?
A hypoxic brain injury occurs when the brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen to function properly. In the context of a stroke, this may happen due to interrupted blood flow caused by a dissection or clot. The longer the brain remains without oxygen, the more serious and permanent the damage becomes.
Hypoxic brain injuries can result in:
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory loss
- Speech and language difficulties
- Motor dysfunction or paralysis
- Permanent disability
When this kind of injury is linked to chiropractic care, and negligence is involved, a hypoxic brain injury attorney can help determine whether legal action is appropriate.
When Chiropractic Stroke Becomes Malpractice
Not all adverse outcomes are the result of negligence. However, a chiropractor may be liable if they:
- Failed to screen for stroke risk factors before neck manipulation
- Used excessive force or improper technique
- Ignored warning signs of a developing stroke
- Did not provide timely medical intervention or referral after symptoms occurred
In such cases, a chiropractic malpractice attorney can review the chiropractor’s actions, medical documentation, and expert opinions to determine whether the standard of care was breached.
Legal responsibility also depends on whether a reasonably competent chiropractor in similar circumstances would have taken a different approach. If a breach of this standard led to a stroke or brain injury, legal claims for compensation may be filed.
The Role of a Brain Injury Law Firm
A brain injury law firm brings both legal experience and medical knowledge to these highly complex cases. These firms typically work with neurologists and other medical experts to:
- Investigate the cause and timing of the injury
- Determine whether the chiropractor’s conduct contributed to the event
- Identify whether earlier intervention could have reduced the damage
- Document the patient’s current and future medical needs
This information is essential when pursuing claims for long-term care, lost income, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. For families affected by these life-altering events, legal guidance from a trusted lawyer can make a meaningful difference.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Chiropractic Negligence
If you or a loved one suffered a stroke following chiropractic care, it’s important to take immediate steps to preserve your rights and gather evidence:
- Seek emergency medical care and ensure all symptoms are documented
- Request copies of all chiropractic treatment records
- Keep a detailed account of symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments received
- Consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in chiropractic or brain injury malpractice
Time is critical in these cases, as statutes of limitations vary by state and could impact your ability to file a claim.
Final Thoughts
While chiropractic care can offer relief for many patients, it is not without risk—particularly when it comes to high-velocity neck manipulations. The potential for stroke and hypoxic brain injury, although rare, should not be overlooked. When chiropractic procedures lead to catastrophic outcomes, and those outcomes could have been prevented with proper screening or care, legal action may be appropriate.
Whether the harm resulted from improper technique, failure to recognize symptoms, or lack of emergency response, consulting with a chiropractic malpractice attorney, hypoxic brain injury attorney, or brain injury law firm can help victims and their families find answers—and justice.
