3D illustration of a human brain with highlighted blood vessels

About Chiropractic Stroke Awareness Group

The Chiropractic Stroke Awareness Group was formed to raise public awareness about the risk of stroke and death with chiropractic cervical spinal adjustments, to find others who were injured this way, and to prevent future needless suffering.

The age group primarily affected is 25 – 45-year-olds.

After undergoing a cervical spinal manipulation, patients exhibiting initial stroke symptoms are dismissed by chiropractors and are assured that these symptoms are “just a reaction” to the adjustment or that, “their body is releasing toxins” as a result of the manipulation. Then these patients, exhibiting stroke symptoms, are allowed to leave the chiropractor's office! To just drive away…only to have the stroke elsewhere...

It has been established that it’s imperative to get emergency medical attention at the first symptoms of an impending stroke…within minutes…so a person can get treatment that will mitigate the amount of damage. Stroke care has improved so much in the last decade with the advent of certified Stroke Centers in hospitals in the U.S. To lessen the devastating and sometimes fatal effects of stroke, not only are more of these Stroke Centers needed…more education of healthcare providers, especially chiropractors, in recognizing the first symptoms and the critical need for immediate medical treatment.

Chiropractic Stroke Awareness Group has helped hundreds of victims of chiropractic stroke...to know they are not alone...to know others understand the unique challenges you are facing. You do not have to feel emotionally isolated or depressed.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed after having a chiropractic cervical spinal manipulation, please contact us and share your story with us. The life that you are left with, may seem overwhelming, but we have found through connecting with others, we can make a positive difference in our own lives and the lives of others.

Our voices may have been silenced by stroke, but together we can and will reclaim our lives.

How Chiropractic Stroke Awareness Group Began

Linda Solsbury was confined to a hospital because of the medical care she required after suffering a stroke after a cervical spinal manipulation. Despite the extreme physical limitations she faced, she was instrumental in pursuing legislation requiring chiropractors to carry malpractice insurance. She was determined to prevent someone else from having to face a lifetime of struggles like the existence that was forced upon her on that tragic day back in October 1985. Also during her 20+ years of hospital confinement, she corresponded with countless others who also were severely injured by a cervical spinal adjustment performed by a chiropractor.

Britt Harwe met Linda Solsbury in late 2004. They were brought together by another woman who also had a stroke as a result of a chiropractic adjustment. A strong and unbreakable connection formed as a result of the experiences they had in common. The strength of that bond inspired Linda and Britt to begin an awareness campaign to inform the public of this cause of stroke. And to reach out to others who were injured to let them know they were not alone.

Brain scan (likely a CT or MRI) with color-coded regions

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a brain attack. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted (not enough blood in your brain) or when a blood vessel ruptures (too much blood in your brain). Cells in and around the stroke site begin to die and part of the brain stops working. Basic functions, such as communicating, walking, thinking, and personality, may be changed.

Causes of Stroke

The majority of strokes are ischemic strokes. They occur when blood clots or other particles block arteries to your brain and cause severely reduced blood flow (ischemia). This deprives your brain cells of oxygen and nutrients, and cells may begin to die within minutes.

There are a number of possible causes. One of them is damage to the arteries that go up your neck to supply the brain because of a chiropractic manipulation of the neck.

Man sitting on a couch, working on a laptop, and experiencing neck and back pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke may help chiropractic patients who are not aware they have suffered a stroke, or who have not made the possible connection between symptoms of stroke they have experienced to spinal adjustments they received from a chiropractor.

The signs and symptoms of stroke usually occur suddenly, but not necessarily at the time of the neck manipulation. In fact, a delay of days between the last chiropractic manipulation and the onset of neurological symptoms of stroke is common and almost characteristic of the clinical course following traumatic injury of the artery in the neck.

Frequently There is More Than One Sign or Symptom of a Stroke. They Include

Sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis of your face, arm, or leg - usually on one side of your body
Sudden difficulty in writing, speaking or understanding speech or written words
Sudden blurred, double or decreased vision in one or both eyes
Sudden dizziness, loss of balance, fainting, or loss of coordination
A sudden, severe headache or an unusual headache, which may be accompanied by a stiff neck, facial pain, pain between your eyes, vomiting or altered consciousness
Confusion, or problems with memory, spatial orientation, or perception.
For most people, a stroke gives no warning. But one possible sign of an impending stroke is a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow to a part of your brain. The signs and symptoms of TIA are the same as for a stroke, but they last for a shorter period - several minutes to 24 hours - and then disappear, without leaving apparent permanent effects. You may have more than one TIA, and the recurrent signs and symptoms may be similar or different.

A TIA indicates a serious underlying risk that a full-blown stroke may follow. People who have had a TIA are much more likely to have a stroke, as are those who haven't had a TIA.

If you notice any signs or symptoms of a stroke or TIA, get medical help right away. A TIA may seem like a passing event. But it is an important warning sign - and a chance to take steps that may prevent a stroke.

If you have had signs or symptoms of a stroke or TIA, and you had a chiropractic neck manipulation done before they occurred, please contact us. We will help you investigate your situation as well as help you understand your legal rights.