International Framework for Examination of the Cervical Region for potential of Cervical Arterial Dysfunction prior to Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Intervention.
The following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of either internal carotid or vertebrobasilar arterial pathology and should be thoroughly assessed during the patient history:
-Past history of trauma to cervical spine / cervical vessels
-History of migraine-type headache
-Hypertension
-Hypercholesterolemia / hyperlipidemia
-Cardiac disease, vascular disease, previous cerebrovascular accident or transient ischaemic attack
-Diabetes mellitus
-Blood clotting disorders / alterations in blood properties (e.g. hyperhomocysteinemia)
-Anticoagulant therapy
-Long-term use of steroids
-History of smoking
-Recent infection
-Immediately post partum
-Trivial head or neck trauma
-Absence of a plausible mechanical explanation for the patient’s symptoms.
> from Rushton et al., International Federation of Orthopaedic Manupalative Physical Therapists (2012).
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