Case Report: Vertebral Artery Dissection After Use of Handheld Massage Gun

Abstract

Introduction: Arterial dissection is well known as a potential cause of stroke in young patients. Vertebral artery dissection occurs most commonly in the setting of minor trauma but has been seen in cases of cervical manipulation. With advances in at-home therapeutic modalities for neck pain came the advent of handheld massage guns. These massage guns have gained considerable popularity in recent years, but their safety for use in the cervical region has not been well studied. Case report: In this case report, we discuss a 27-year-old female who presented with headache, neck pain, and dizziness who was found to have vertebral artery dissection after repetitive use of a handheld massage gun. Conclusion: In young patients presenting with headache, neck pain, and vague neurologic symptoms it is important to consider vertebral artery dissection as a cause of symptoms as it can lead to serious morbidity. When considering an inciting event such as minor trauma, it may also be important to assess whether there has been use of a handheld massage gun. Although causality is difficult to establish, with the increase in use of handheld massage guns we may find more frequent association between their use and vertebral artery dissection.

Home Self-Massage Device Necessitates Public Awareness: Vertebral Artery Dissection Associated With a Home Massage Device

“…He was discharged after one day of being symptom-free. The patient did not show up for a follow-up [10].…”

Intracranial large artery embolism due to carotid thrombosis caused by a neck massager: A case report

“…Only one case of a free thrombus in the carotid artery has been reported, and the specific etiology is unclear[ 4 ]. Another case documented vertebral artery dissection after repetitive use of a handheld massage gun[ 5 ]. The literature has suggested that massager can make the blood in the carotid artery swirl[ 6 ].…”

“…The probability of stroke caused by a neck massager is 1/300–1/400000, which is mostly related to arterial dissection due to the tearing of the vascular inner layer (mainly involving the vertebral artery, followed by the carotid artery)[ 1 - 3 ]. Cerebral infarction caused by arterial embolism after a massager is rare[ 4 , 5 ].…”

Consumer Perceptions of Home-Based Percussive Massage Therapy for Musculoskeletal Concerns: Inductive Thematic Qualitative Analysis

“…While this percussive massage therapy device has specific safety and user education components, including a user manual and automatic shutdown feature, it is imperative to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of such unregulated, at-home modalities. Previous case reports have discussed the consequences of inappropriate usage of these devices, which include rhabdomyolysis, vertebral artery dissection, and lens dislocation alongside secondary acute angle-closure glaucoma [49][50][51].…”