Inquest Reveals Undiagnosed Condition in Woman's Death Following Chiropractic Treatment

Coroner's report highlights the need for thorough medical history reviews in chiropractic care

An inquest into the death of 29-year-old Joanna Kowalczyk has concluded that her passing was due to complications arising from chiropractic treatment following a naturally occurring medical event, compounded by an undiagnosed connective tissue disorder.

Ms. Kowalczyk, who had a history of migraines and joint hypermobility, experienced a neck injury during a gym session on September 26, 2021, which likely resulted in bilateral arterial dissections.

She sought medical attention at a hospital the following day, where a CT scan was performed, and a lumbar puncture was recommended to rule out a possible hemorrhage.

However, she discharged herself against medical advice and opted for chiropractic care for pain relief.

Over the next four weeks, Ms. Kowalczyk underwent multiple chiropractic sessions.

During an appointment on October 16, 2021, she suddenly experienced severe dizziness, double vision, and tingling in her right hand and foot, along with difficulty speaking.

The chiropractor advised her to seek medical attention, but she did not immediately do so.

Later that day, paramedics treated her at home and diagnosed her with a migraine after being informed that such symptoms were common following chiropractic adjustments.

Ms. Kowalczyk was eventually admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead, where she died three days later.

Assistant Coroner Leila Benyounes concluded that Ms. Kowalczyk's death resulted from a combination of the consequences of chiropractic treatment following a naturally occurring medical event, on a background of an undiagnosed connective tissue disorder.

The coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report, expressing concern that the chiropractor had not considered obtaining Ms. Kowalczyk's medical records before treatment, despite being aware of her recent hospital visit and medical investigations.

The report recommended that the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) introduce guidelines requiring chiropractors to review a patient's medical history before commencing treatment.

The GCC's current Code emphasizes the importance of obtaining informed consent and maintaining patient records but does not explicitly mandate the review of existing medical records prior to treatment.

The organizations involved have 56 days to respond to the coroner's recommendations.