Vertebral artery dissection
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| Vertebral artery dissection | |
|---|---|
| File:Vertebral artery.png | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, neck pain, dizziness, visual disturbances, stroke |
| Complications | Stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Variable |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Trauma, connective tissue disorders, spontaneous |
| Risks | Hypertension, smoking, migraine, fibromuscular dysplasia |
| Diagnosis | MRI, CT angiography, Doppler ultrasound |
| Differential diagnosis | Migraine, tension headache, cervical spondylosis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Anticoagulation, antiplatelet therapy, surgery |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on severity and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD) is a medical condition characterized by a tear in the inner lining of the vertebral artery, which is a crucial vessel supplying blood to the brain. This tear allows blood to enter the arterial wall, forming a clot that may thicken the artery wall and potentially impede blood flow. VAD can lead to serious complications, including stroke, due to disrupted blood supply to the brain.
Causes[edit]
VAD may occur spontaneously or as a result of:
- Physical trauma to the neck, such as from a car accident or sports injury
- Sudden neck movements
- Chiropractic manipulations
- Underlying connective tissue disorders
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of VAD can vary but commonly include:
- Severe head and neck pain, often described as different from regular headaches
- Symptoms of a stroke, such as difficulty speaking, impaired coordination, and visual loss
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tinnitus
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of VAD typically involves imaging studies, such as:
- Contrast-enhanced CT scan: To visualize blood flow and the condition of the artery
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To provide detailed images of the vertebral arteries and surrounding tissues
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): To assess the blood vessels in more detail
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for VAD aims to prevent stroke and may include:
- Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications to prevent blood clot formation
- Thrombolytic therapy in acute cases to dissolve existing clots
- In severe cases, surgical interventions such as stenting or angioplasty may be considered
- Monitoring and managing risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Complications[edit]
Without prompt treatment, VAD can lead to:
- Ischemic stroke
- Permanent neurological damage
- Increased risk of recurrent dissections
See Also[edit]
External Links[edit]
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