An unusual occurrence of acute cerebellar infarct after self-cervical manipulation: a case report

Abstract

İntroduction
 Spinal manipulation is a widely used method in the treatment of neck pain, but it has the potential for serious complications. Although controversial, stroke can occur especially after cervical manipulation. Stroke secondary to self-cervical manipulation is rare and only a few cases have been reported.
 Case Report
 We reported a 28-year-old male patient with complaints of dizziness, neck pain and right hemiparesthesia. Except the cerebellar gait and right hemiparesthesia, his neurological examination was normal. It was learnt that his complaints started an hour after the self-cervical manipulation. His brain computed tomography, brain and cervical computed tomography angiography were normal limits. The brain diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an acute infarction area. He was discharged without sequelae with antiaggregant treatment, after 8 days of follow-up in the hospital.
 Conclusion
 Although it is controversial whether the risk of stroke increases after cervical manipulation, we believe the risk of stroke may increase, especially when the manipulation is performed by non-professionals. Especially in younger patients with a history of cervical manipulation and neurological complaints, stroke should be suspected even if the neurological examination is normal.