Chiropractic Maneuver Under Anesthesia Causes Cardiac Arrest and Death

Case Overview

This case takes place in Kansas and involves a 40-year-old male patient who was under the care of a chiropractor for two months following a motor vehicle accident. The chiropractor suggested that the patient receive several manipulations that would be performed under anesthesia. The patient tolerated the first treatment with no complications, however during the second treatment the patient went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead on arrival at the ER.

Questions to the Chiropractic expert and their responses

Should this patient have been monitored more closely?

A breach of duty and/or negligence is certainly possible in this case.

What could have been done to prevent such outcomes?

I usually take precautions by carefully choosing MUA candidates who I think would be a good fit for this procedure. I carefully examine the patient and if I find there are any possible contraindications or questionable findings, I most likely will have them sent for an examination by a medical doctor for surgical clearance especially if there are suspected cardiac problems.

Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner Fails to Diagnose Bacterial Meningitis

Delayed Diagnosis of Wilson’s Disease Causes Liver Failure