Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD)[edit | edit source]

MRI scan showing a vertebral artery dissection.

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

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 | edit source]

Without prompt treatment, VAD can lead to:

Ischemic stroke
Permanent neurological damage
Increased risk of recurrent dissections

External Links[edit | edit source]

Vertebral artery dissection Resources
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