FCER Press Release
For
Immediate Release: March 10, 2004
Contact:
Robin R. Merrifield
1304
Perry Ave., Bremerton WA 98310
Phone:
800-343-0549 or 360-478-2716
Fax:
360-478-0834 E-Mail: FCERedit@aol.com
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.
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