Explore the critical intersection of chiropractic care and vascular health as we delve into the symptoms of vertebral artery dissection, a condition with potentially serious consequences, through our latest systematic review and meta-analysis.
– by James
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Symptoms of Patients With Vertebral Artery Dissection Presenting to Chiropractors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Trager et al., Cureus 2023
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51297
What’s New: This study focuses on the prevalence of symptoms in patients with previously undiagnosed vertebral artery dissection (VAD) when they first present to chiropractors. It emphasizes neck pain and headache as potential indicators of VAD.
Importance: The research is significant because it highlights the need for chiropractors to recognize early symptoms of VAD—a serious and potentially life-threatening condition—to ensure timely referral and management.
Contribution to Literature: The study synthesizes data from 10 case reports, finding that all patients with undiagnosed VAD had neck pain or headache, with neck pain present in 90% of cases and headache in 80%. Visual disturbances and dizziness were also reported in 50% and 40% of cases, respectively. However, the certainty of the results is very low due to the small sample size and potential publication bias.
Summary of Results:
– Mean age of patients: 37 years (SD = 7)
– Gender: 60% female
– Neck pain: 90% (95% CI = 71%-100%)
– Headache: 80% (95% CI = 55%-100%)
– Visual disturbance: 50% (95% CI = 19%-81%)
– Dizziness: 40% (95% CI = 10%-70%)
The study calls for more rigorous research with larger sample sizes and control groups to validate these findings. It also underscores the importance of chiropractors being vigilant for VAD symptoms to facilitate emergency care referrals.