Cervical artery dissection: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
CSV import Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|A condition involving a tear in the cervical arteries}} | |||
== | ==Cervical Artery Dissection== | ||
[[File:Vertebral_artery.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the vertebral artery, one of the arteries that can be affected by cervical artery dissection.]] | |||
'''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== | |||
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== | ==Causes== | ||
The exact cause of cervical artery dissection is not | 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. | |||
* Hypertension | ==Symptoms== | ||
* | 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== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of cervical artery dissection involves | Diagnosis of cervical artery dissection typically involves imaging studies such as: | ||
* Magnetic | * [[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI) and [[magnetic resonance angiography]] (MRA). | ||
* [[Computed tomography angiography]] (CTA). | |||
* Computed | * [[Ultrasound]] of the neck vessels. | ||
* | |||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for cervical artery dissection | Treatment for cervical artery dissection may include: | ||
* Antiplatelet | * [[Anticoagulation]] therapy to prevent clot formation. | ||
* [[Antiplatelet]] therapy, such as [[aspirin]]. | |||
* In some cases, surgical intervention or [[endovascular]] procedures may be necessary. | |||
* In some cases, surgical intervention or | |||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with cervical artery dissection varies. | 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. | ||
== | ==Related pages== | ||
* [[Stroke]] | |||
* | * [[Carotid artery dissection]] | ||
* [[Vertebral artery]] | |||
* | * [[Horner's syndrome]] | ||
[[Category:Vascular diseases]] | [[Category:Vascular diseases]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Neurology]] | ||
Revision as of 05:32, 16 February 2025
A condition involving a tear in the cervical arteries
Cervical Artery Dissection
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
