Quadriplegia after chiropractic manipulation in an infant with congenital torticollis caused by a spinal cord astrocytoma

Abstract

An infant with congenital torticollis underwent chiropractic manipulation, and within a few hours had respiratory insufficiency, seizures, and quadriplegia. A holocord astrocytoma, with extensive acute necrosis believed to be a result of the neck manipulation, was found and resected. We believe that every child with torticollis, regardless of age, should undergo neurologic and radiologic evaluation before any form of physical treatment is instituted.