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The spinal cord is a delicate structure and therefore susceptible to injuries. The potential for serious complications from chiropractic treatment is significant. Of particular concern is arterial dissection, a condition where blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the brain are torn. In some cases, the injury may go unnoticed and heal naturally. But in others, a tear in the artery wall can lead to clot formation, potentially causing a stroke or even death.

Stroke and Paralysis: The Dangers of Chiropractic Neck Manipulations

In a neck manipulation or adjustment, the chiropractor uses their hands or a small instrument to rotate or stretch the neck, applying a sudden force to a spinal joint. A popping or cracking sensation is often felt. This high velocity thrust can produce significant strain on your vertebral artery, the artery which runs along the back of your neck and supplies your brain and spine with oxygen-rich blood. If the vertebral artery tears, it can compromise blood flow to certain areas of the brain and it can lead to a stroke, paralysis, or even death.

The adverse effects of a chiropractic neck manipulation can present immediately or days and even weeks later. Signs of stroke include:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

In addition to injuries caused by improper chiropractic adjustments, a chiropractor may breach standards of care in other ways:

• Failure to properly examine – Before carrying out a chiropractic treatment, chiropractors must perform examinations on their patient, in particular, the following items:

                   
  (1) the appropriate history of the case;
  (2) the clinical and radiological examinations required by the patient’s condition;
  (3) sufficient research of any underlying pathology and anomaly by the diagnostic methods indicated and in compliance with standards of chiropractic science; and
  (4) an unequivocal indication of an appropriate chiropractic therapy.

• Failure to obtain informed consent – Prior to the examination or treatment proposed, chiropractors must obtain from the patient a written, free and enlightened consent after having informed the patient of the nature of the problem to be treated, the treatment procedure and the potential benefits and risks.

• Failure to diagnose/refer – Chiropractors should be able to identify if you would benefit from chiropractic care or if you require referral to another health care provider, or immediate medical attention.

The Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Chiropractic Injury Lawyer

Annette Lefebvre Avocats regularly represents clients who have suffered a stroke as a result of chiropractic neck manipulation. We understand the profound impact these injuries have on your life, and we’re committed to holding negligent practitioners accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered paralysis or other serious injury as a result of a chiropractic treatment, we’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation: 514-288-1114.

• The North Shore: Laval, Terrebonne, Blainville and all surrounding areas
• The South Shore: Longueuil, Brossard, Boucherville, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and all surrounding areas

Do you have a case?

If all of the above elements exist you can claim monetary compensation (also known as “damages”) not only for your physical injury but also for your resulting economic losses, such as loss of past and future income, the cost of medical expenses and cost of care, as well as your resulting psychological damages, namely pain, suffering and inconvenience.

Medical records and expert consultation are essential to determining whether you have a case. Get in touch with us for a free consultation with one of our lawyers if you or a loved one have suffered a severe chiropractic injury.