On Jan. 24 1978, the New Zealand governor-general referred to a Commission of Inquiry an investigation to determine the desirability of providing for reimbursement of chiropractic benefits under the New Zealand Social Security Act and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Act. The commision's findings would impact chiropractic worldwide for decades to come.
Vertebrobasilar Arterial Insufficiency, Part II
A review of 52 cases of vertebrobasilar infarct was performed to ascertain the frequency and types of symptoms and signs that accompanied the reported cases of infarct (1-33). In last month's column the symptoms associated with vertebrobasilar infarct were reviewed. The following is a review of the reported neurological signs associated with vertebrobasilar infarct.
# | Signs noted |
19 | Cerebellar signs: ataxia, dyssynergia, dysmetria, etc. |
18 | Rotatory nystagmus |
17 | Facial nerve palsy |
15 | Paresthesia, decreased pain in trigeminal distribution |
12 | Paresthesia, decreased pain in body |
11 | Tandem gait veering |
11 | Asymmetrical pupils |
8 | Ptosis |
8 | Babinski's sign |
8 | Palatal paresis |
6 | Confusion |
6 | Dysarthria |
6 | Decreased arm/leg strength |
4 | Diplopia |
4 | Decreased corneal reflex |
4 | Cranial nerve VI palsy |
4 | Hyperreflexia |
4 | Quadriplegia |
4 | Visual field loss |
4 | Tongue deviation |
3 | Hoarseness |
3 | Dysphagia |
2 | Decreased hearing |
2 | Tinnitus |
1 | Drowsiness |
1 | Decreased position sense |
1 | Cranial nerve IV palsy |
1 | Grasp, suck reflexes |
1 | Respiratory paralysis |
Should the chiropractic physician suspect that a patient is suffering from vertebrobasilar infarct, a neurological examination would be in order to better ascertain the extent of neurological involvement. The anatomical basis for the most common symptoms and signs of vertebrobasilar infarct will be discussed in detail in this column's next installment.
References
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Brad McKechnie, DC, DACAN
Pasadena, Texas