Cervical artery dissection
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| Cervical artery dissection | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, neck pain, ischemic stroke |
| Complications | Stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | Carotid artery dissection, vertebral artery dissection |
| Causes | Trauma, connective tissue disorders |
| Risks | Hypertension, smoking, migraine |
| Diagnosis | MRI, CT angiography |
| Differential diagnosis | Migraine, cluster headache, tension headache |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy |
| Medication | Heparin, aspirin |
| Prognosis | |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
Cervical Artery Dissection[edit]
Cervical artery dissection is a condition where there is a tear in one of the major arteries in the neck, specifically the carotid artery or the vertebral artery. This tear can lead to the formation of a blood clot, which may result in a stroke if the clot travels to the brain.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Cervical artery dissection occurs when there is a tear in the tunica intima, the innermost layer of the artery wall. This tear allows blood to enter the arterial wall and form a hematoma, which can lead to stenosis or complete occlusion of the artery. The dissection can also create a false lumen, which may lead to an aneurysm.
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of cervical artery dissection is not always clear, but it can be associated with:
- Trauma to the neck, such as from a car accident or sports injury.
- Connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome.
- Hypertension and other vascular risk factors.
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of cervical artery dissection can vary but often include:
- Sudden onset of severe headache or neck pain.
- Horner's syndrome, characterized by ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis.
- Ischemic stroke symptoms, such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or vision changes.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of cervical artery dissection typically involves imaging studies such as:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
- Computed tomography angiography (CTA).
- Ultrasound of the neck vessels.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for cervical artery dissection may include:
- Anticoagulation therapy to prevent clot formation.
- Antiplatelet therapy, such as aspirin.
- In some cases, surgical intervention or endovascular procedures may be necessary.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with cervical artery dissection varies. Many patients recover fully with appropriate treatment, but some may experience long-term neurological deficits if a stroke occurs.
