Samantha Nipperess, 28, says the stroke has changed her life. Picture: Liam Kidston Source: News Limited
SAMANTHA Nipperess was healthy, active and studying pharmacy when her world was turned upside down by a stroke at the age of 25.
Ms Nipperess, now 28, had the stroke a week after a chiropractor gave her spinal manipulation to treat her tension headaches. Now the pharmacy intern, who is still recovering, is suing an Ipswich chiropractic and remedial massage practice, a GP and the State Government for almost $850,000.
She claims manipulation by chiropractor Dennis Graham, of Limestone Natural Therapies, at Ipswich in 2011, caused a bilateral artery dissection, which caused her stroke.
Her claim, filed by Greg Black of Turner Freeman, alleges GP Geoffrey Seet and Ipswich Hospital staff failed to adequately take account of her symptoms and refer her to a specialist.
Before the stroke, Ms Nipperess had loved running, cycling, competitive touch football, camping and bushwalking with friends.
“When it happened, everything stopped,” Ms Nipperess said. “My entire focus was on my recovery. I literally had to learn how to walk again.”
She had to relearn how to use a knife and fork.
She said she still has problems with balance, fatigue and chronic burning facial pain and has a “drunk walk”.
“It has completely changed my life,” she said.
Her claim said Mr Graham applied excessive force during manipulation and her cervical spine was subjected to “significant shearing forces”.
She went to both Dr Seet and Ipswich Hospital emergency department complaining of severe head pain. Just days later, she had the stroke.
Limestone Natural Therapies did not respond to calls and Dr Seet’s medical defence organisation declined to comment. The defendants are yet to file responses to the claim.
Chiropractors’ Association of Australia national president Laurie Tassell said chiropractic care in Australia was safe, effective, regulated and delivered by health professionals.
“The tens of thousands of Australians who use chiropractic services on a regular basis can attest to the effectiveness and safety of chiropractic care,” he said.