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Homocysteine Levels and CVAs: Cause?
Indicator of Risk?

 

Norwalk, Iowa — The Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research’s (FCER) Director of Research, Anthony L. Rosner, Ph.D., has authored a commentary on the possible relationship between elevated homocysteine levels and increased risk of spontaneous cervical artery dissections (sCAD).

Rosner repeatedly noted that many studies on the relationships between vertebrobasilar accidents (VBA) and cervical manipulation failed to consider that these events may be spontaneous and/or cumulative. In examining the issue further, he pointed out that research has suggested that elevated levels of homocysteine may weaken arterial walls by disrupting the structures of collagen and elastin. Elevated levels of the amino acid have been linked to both atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

This information is critical to chiropractors for a couple of reasons. It offers another clue into the incidence (however rare, always unacceptable) of stroke following cervical manipulation. In addition, it offers a potentially reliable means of verifying risk. In other words, it may be possible (research will have to verify) that pre-manipulation lab work on homocysteine levels may identify those patients who are at particularly high risk of stroke.

Dr. Rosner earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from Harvard University. His review of the role of homocysteine in spontaneous cervical artery dissection can be found in the February 2004 issue of Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

The Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research is dedicated to the proliferation and dissemination of research for the chiropractic profession. To learn more about FCER and to contribute to this worthy cause, please visit our Home page or call FCER at 800-637-6244.