Vertebral Artery

The Etiology of Cervical Artery Dissection

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE:   J Chiropr Med. 2007 (Summer);   6 (3):   110-120 ~ FULL TEXT

Michael T. Haneline [a], and Anthony L. Rosner [b]

a   Professor,
Palmer College of Chiropractic West,
Department of Research, San Jose, CA 95134
michael.haneline@palmer.edu

b   Professor,
Parker College of Chiropratic,
Brookline, MA 02446

The etiology of cervical artery dissection (CAD) is unclear, although a number of risk factors have been reported to be associated with the condition. On rare occasions, patients experience CAD after cervical spine manipulation, making knowledge about the cervical arteries, the predisposing factors, and the pathogenesis of the condition of interest to chiropractors. This commentary reports on the relevant anatomy of the cervical arteries, developmental features of CAD, epidemiology of the condition, and mechanisms of dissection. The analysis of CAD risk factors is confusing, however, because many people are exposed to mechanical events and known pathophysiological associations without ever experiencing dissection. No cause-and-effect relationship has been established between cervical spine manipulation and CAD, but it seems that cervical manipulation may be capable of triggering dissection in a susceptible patient or contributing to the evolution of an already existing CAD. Despite the many risk factors that have been proposed as possible causes of CAD, it is still unknown which of them actually predispose patients to CAD after cervical spine manipulation.

From the FULL TEXT Article:

Introduction

The etiology of cervical artery dissection (CAD) is, for the most part, unclear; and what has been proposed as an explanation for its pathogenesis is largely hypothetical. [1] Furthermore, when dealing with a particular case of CAD, the pathogenesis is especially speculative. [2] Nevertheless, a number of risk factors have been reported to be associated with the condition, including connective tissue abnormalities, hypertension, recent infection, migraine headache, the use of oral contraceptives, and others. Of special interest to chiropractors is the role cervical spine manipulation (CSM) plays, if any, in the pathogenesis of CAD. Indeed, patients do experience CAD on rare occasions after CSM, making knowledge about the cervical arteries, the predisposing factors, and the pathogenesis of the condition important for chiropractors.

Anatomy of the cervical arteries

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Recognition of Spontaneous Vertebral Artery Dissection Preempting Spinal Manipulative Therapy: A Patient Presenting With Neck Pain and Headache for Chiropractic Care

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE:   J Chiropr Med. 2014 (Jun);   13 (2):   90-95 ~ FULL TEXT

Ross Mattox, DC, [a], Linda W. Smith, DC, [b] and
Norman W. Kettner, DC, DACBR, FICC [c]

a   Diagnostic Imaging Resident,
Department of Radiology,
Logan University, Chesterfield, MO
ude.nagol@xottam.ssor

b   Chiropractic Physician,
Private Practice, St. Louis, MO

c   Chair, Department of Radiology,
Logan University, Chesterfield, MO

OBJECTIVE:   The purpose of this case report is to describe a patient who presented to a chiropractic physician for evaluation and treatment of neck pain and headache.

CLINICAL FEATURES:   A 45-year-old otherwise healthy female presented for evaluation and treatment of neck pain and headache. Within minutes, non-specific musculoskeletal symptoms progressed to neurological deficits, including limb ataxia and cognitive disturbances. Suspicion was raised for cerebrovascular ischemia and emergent referral was initiated.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME:   Paramedics were immediately summoned and the patient was transported to a local hospital with a working diagnosis of acute cerebrovascular ischemia. Multiplanar computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging with contrast revealed vertebral artery dissection of the V2 segment in the right vertebral artery. Anticoagulation therapy was administered and the patient was discharged without complications after 5 days in the hospital.

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Elongated Styloid Processes and Calcified Stylohyoid Ligaments in a Patient With Neck Pain: Implications for Manual Therapy Practice

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE:   J Chiropr Med. 2014 (Jun);   13 (2):   128–133 ~ FULL TEXT

Bart N. Green, DC, MSEd,a,b, LCDR Kristin M. Browske, MD,
and CAPT Michael D. Rosenthal, PT, DSc, ATC

a   Chiropractor,
Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy,
Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA

b   Associate Editor,
Publications Department,
National University of Health Sciences,
Lombard, IL

Corresponding author at:
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar,
Branch Health Clinic,
PO Box 452002,
San Diego, CA 92145-2002. Tel.: + 1 858 577 9948
lim.yvan.dem@neerg.traB

Objective   The purpose of this paper is to present a case of a patient with neck pain, tinnitus, and headache in the setting of bilateral elongated styloid processes (ESP) and calcified stylohyoid ligaments (CSL), how knowledge of this anatomical variation and symptomatic presentation affected the rehabilitation management plan for this patient, and to discuss the potential relevance of ESPs and CSLs to carotid artery dissection.

Clinical features   A 29-year-old male military helicopter mechanic presented for chiropractic care for chronic pain in the right side of his neck and upper back, tinnitus, and dizziness with a past history of right side parietal headaches and tonsillitis. Conventional radiographs showed C6 and C7 spinous process fractures, degenerative disc disease at C6/7, and an elongated right styloid process with associated calcification of the left stylohyoid ligament. Volumetric computerized tomography demonstrated calcification of the stylohyoid ligaments bilaterally.

Intervention and outcome   Given the proximity of the calcified stylohyoid apparatus to the carotid arteries, spinal manipulation techniques were modified to minimize rotation of the neck. Rehabilitation also included soft tissue mobilization and stretching, corrective postural exercises, and acupuncture. An otolaryngologist felt that the symptoms were not consistent with Eagle syndrome and the tinnitus was associated with symmetric high frequency hearing loss, likely due to occupational noise exposure. Initially, the patient’s symptoms improved but plateaued by the fifth visit.

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