Cervical Arterial Dysfunction

1. Introduction

Cervical arterial dysfunction (CAD) is an umbrella term for rare vascular problems of the neck. There are a range of blood vessels in the body that transport blood to different regions. In relation to cervical arterial dysfunction, this presentation can start from varied sources. An acute injury, such as neck trauma from a road traffic collision or impact from a rugby tackle, can cause trauma to the blood vessels. As a result, this can cause damage to the vessel itself, restricting blood flow or the opposite where blood flow is increased ⁽¹⁾.

Non-traumatic presentations are usually linked to comorbidities (other conditions) and it is important to note that rarely is this a single causal factor but more multi-factorial in nature ⁽¹⁾. What this means is that patients who are more at risk would have previous vascular medical history, such as a long history of smoking or high blood pressure, that could contribute to having cervical arterial dysfunction ^(1,2,3).
We ensure that regular training with our therapists is carried out so we can recognise patients presenting with cervical arterial dysfunction and refer them through the correct treatment pathway.

4. Risk Factors

This is not an exhaustive list. These factors could increase the likelihood of someone developing cervical arterial dysfunction. It does not mean everyone with these risk factors will develop symptoms ^{(2, 5)}.

• 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 postpartum (following childbirth).
• Trivial head or neck trauma.
• Absence of a plausible mechanistic explanation for the patient’s symptoms.

8. Rehabilitation

Below are three programmes of exercises that are aimed at assisting with the overall management of your condition. Although they will not always cure the condition, research tells us that activity of this nature will be helpful in minimising the effect of the condition.

10. Return to Sport/Normal Life

For patients wanting to achieve a high level of function or return to sport, an assessment will be made by the physiotherapist to check your strength, range of movement, stability and general functional capacity to be safe enough for a return to sport. Before returning to sport, a rehabilitation programme should ideally incorporate some contact drills and exercises that mimic the sport you participate in.

As part of a comprehensive treatment approach, your physiotherapist may also use a variety of other pain-relieving treatments to support symptom relief and recovery. Whilst recovering, you might benefit from further assessment to ensure you are making progress and to establish appropriate progression of treatment. Ongoing support and advice will allow you to self-manage and prevent future reoccurrence.

Book an Appointment

Please book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists if you think you are suffering from this condition and would like to find out more.

We have Pure Physiotherapy clinics across the country including Norwich, Bury St Edmunds, Manchester, Bolton, Sheffield and Wakefield. Please view our clinics to find the closest physiotherapy clinic for you.