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Positive cervical artery testing in a patient with chronic whiplash syndrome: clinical decision-making in the presence of diagnostic uncertainty.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  19066653     Owner:  NLM     Status:  PubMed-not-MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
This case report describes the diagnosis and management of a 43-year-old female patient who had sustained an injury to her neck in a motor-vehicle accident two years earlier. The major symptoms described by the patient included headache and neck pain, but history and examination also revealed signs and symptoms potentially indicative of cervical artery compromise. Physical therapy management initially consisted of soft tissue and non-thrust joint manipulation of the lower cervical and thoracic spine, specific exercise prescription, and superficial heat. Cervical vascular compromise was re-evaluated by way of the sustained extension-rotation test. When at the fifth visit this test no longer produced symptoms potentially indicative of vascular compromise, upper cervical diagnosis and management consisting of soft tissue and non-thrust joint manipulation was added. A positive outcome was achieved both at the impairment level and with regard to limitations in activities, the latter including increased performance at work, a return to previous reading activities, improved length and quality of sleep, and greater comfort while driving. At discharge, the patient reported only occasional pain and mild limitations in activities. This report describes the positive outcomes in a patient with chronic whiplash syndrome; however, its main emphasis lies in the discussion and critical evaluation of clinical reasoning in the presence of diagnostic uncertainty with regard to cervical artery compromise.
Authors:
David L Graziano; Wanda Nitsch; Peter A Huijbregts
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy     Volume:  15     ISSN:  1066-9817     ISO Abbreviation:  J Man Manip Ther     Publication Date:  2007  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-12-10     Completed Date:  2011-07-14     Revised Date:  2013-05-23    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9433812     Medline TA:  J Man Manip Ther     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  E45-63     Citation Subset:  -    
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