The untimely death of a 29-year-old woman in the U.K. has sparked a critical review of chiropractic practices and emergency medical protocols. Joanna Kowalczyk experienced severe neck pain following a personal training session, which led her to seek alternative treatments. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, culminating in a fatal stroke caused by an undiagnosed arterial dissection. The coroner's report highlights failures in communication and oversight, urging regulatory bodies to implement stricter guidelines.
Risks of Alternative Therapies: The Importance of Medical History Review
In September 2021, Joanna Kowalczyk sustained an injury during a fitness session that resulted in neck pain. Seeking relief, she visited a hospital where she declined further testing and chose chiropractic therapy instead. Unfortunately, the chiropractor did not review her medical history before initiating treatment. This oversight may have contributed to the progression of her underlying condition. The assistant coroner emphasized the need for thorough patient evaluations, especially when recent medical interventions are involved.
Kowalczyk initially presented symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, and visual disturbances after a chiropractic session on October 16, 2021. Despite these alarming signs, both negative FAST tests misled healthcare providers into diagnosing a migraine. Had her medical records been reviewed, the chiropractor might have recognized the severity of her condition. The coroner recommended that the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) mandate comprehensive medical reviews prior to any treatment. This proactive approach could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Emergency Response Failures: Addressing Communication Gaps
On the day of her worsening symptoms, paramedics attended to Kowalczyk but failed to recognize the transient nature of stroke symptoms. They attributed her discomfort to normal post-treatment effects, missing a critical opportunity for timely intervention. The next day, with a reduced level of consciousness, she was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. There, advanced imaging revealed a maturing obstruction near the base of her skull, confirming the diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection. Unfortunately, no viable treatment options were available, leading to her death two days later.
The coroner's report also highlighted communication failures within the ambulance service. If the initial paramedic crew had documented Kowalczyk's inability to walk unaided, it would have prompted immediate hospitalization. The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) acknowledged this tragic case and expressed condolences to her family. Both NEAS and GCC have been given until April 25 to respond to the coroner’s recommendations, which aim to enhance patient safety and improve emergency response protocols.