Chiropractic care is often sought for relief from neck and back pain, tension headaches, or musculoskeletal discomfort. But when neck manipulations are performed incorrectly, the consequences can be catastrophic. One of the most severe complications is vertebral artery dissection (VAD)—a tear in a major artery that supplies blood to the brain. This injury can lead to stroke, permanent disability, or even death.
When a chiropractor’s actions cause serious harm, patients may have grounds for a medical negligence claim.
At Snyder & Wenner, P.C., we understand the legal and medical complexities of chiropractic injury cases. If you or a loved one has suffered from VAD or other trauma following spinal manipulation, a chiropractic malpractice attorney can help you evaluate your legal options.
What Is Vertebral Artery Dissection?
The vertebral arteries run along the neck and supply blood to the brainstem, cerebellum, and upper spinal cord. A vertebral artery dissection occurs when a tear forms in the inner lining of the artery, allowing blood to leak between the layers of the arterial wall. This can lead to clot formation and, in some cases, a stroke.
Though vertebral artery dissection can occur from trauma such as car accidents or sports injuries, it has also been linked to forceful chiropractic neck adjustments. Sudden, high-velocity manipulations can stretch or twist the artery beyond its natural range, causing a tear.
When this happens due to improper technique or failure to evaluate a patient’s risk factors, a doctor negligence lawyer can investigate whether the chiropractor deviated from accepted standards of care.
Symptoms and Consequences of VAD
One of the challenges of vertebral artery dissection is that symptoms may not appear immediately. Common warning signs include:
-
Dizziness or vertigo
-
Headache or neck pain (often sudden and severe)
-
Blurred or double vision
-
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
-
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs
-
Loss of coordination or balance
These are signs that a stroke may be occurring. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, the damage can be irreversible. Patients may suffer long-term brain injury, require lifelong care, or, in extreme cases, lose their lives.
When Does Chiropractic Care Become Malpractice?
Not every negative outcome from a chiropractic adjustment is malpractice. However, there are clear situations in which the provider can be held legally accountable, including:
-
Failing to review a patient’s medical history for risk factors like blood clotting disorders or prior stroke
-
Using excessive force during a cervical adjustment
-
Ignoring patient complaints of dizziness or pain following treatment
-
Delaying referral to emergency care when symptoms of stroke appear
In these cases, a chiropractic malpractice attorney can investigate whether the chiropractor breached their duty of care and whether that breach directly led to harm.
To explore how chiropractic negligence fits into the larger picture of malpractice law, visit the chiropractic malpractice section of our site.
Proving Liability in a Chiropractic Malpractice Case
To file a successful claim, your attorney will need to establish the following elements:
-
Duty of care – The chiropractor had a legal obligation to provide safe, competent care.
-
Breach of duty – The chiropractor failed to follow accepted practices.
-
Causation – The breach directly caused your injury.
-
Damages – You suffered measurable harm such as medical costs, lost income, or disability.
Cases involving brain injury often require extensive documentation, expert testimony, and a thorough understanding of both neurology and chiropractic standards.
The Role of a Brain Injury Lawyer
Brain injuries can be life-altering. Victims may require:
-
Emergency neurosurgical intervention
-
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
-
Cognitive therapy
-
Assistive devices or full-time care
A brain injury lawyer not only helps prove liability but also calculates the full scope of future expenses and losses to ensure victims receive appropriate compensation.
These injuries impact not only physical health but also emotional well-being, earning potential, and quality of life. Legal claims can help families recover damages for:
-
Medical bills and ongoing treatment
-
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
-
Pain and suffering
-
Permanent disability
What to Do If You Suspect Chiropractic Malpractice
If you or someone you love experienced unusual symptoms after a neck adjustment, take the following steps:
-
Seek immediate medical attention to rule out stroke or brain injury
-
Request copies of medical and chiropractic records
-
Document your symptoms, treatments, and financial impact
-
Speak with a doctor negligence lawyer to review the details of your case
Time is crucial in these cases. Arizona has a statute of limitations for filing malpractice claims, and acting promptly ensures access to vital evidence and witness testimony.
Contact a Chiropractic Malpractice Attorney in Arizona
Neck adjustments should never result in a stroke, brain injury, or permanent harm. If you’ve been affected by vertebral artery dissection or any other serious injury after chiropractic care, the legal team at Snyder & Wenner, P.C. is here to help.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your case with an experienced chiropractic malpractice or brain injury attorney today.
