Which finding indicates contraindication to cervical traction?

• A. Positive Vertebral Artery Test
• B. Negative Vertebral Artery Test
• C. Normal Neck Range Of Motion
• D. Absence Of Neurological Signs

Answer: (A)

A positive Vertebral Artery Test signals potential vertebrobasilar insufficiency when the neck is moved, which makes cervical traction contraindicated. If neck positions used during traction provoke symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, dysarthria, diplopia, ataxia, or syncope, blood flow through the vertebral arteries may be compromised, risking brainstem or cerebellar ischemia. Because traction involves sustained neck positioning and loading, it could worsen this vascular insufficiency. If the test is negative, there’s no current evidence of vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and the other findings (normal neck range of motion or absence of neurologic signs) don’t by themselves indicate a contraindication to traction.