Vertebral artery dissection

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Vertebral Artery Dissection

Vertebral artery dissection (pronunciation: ver-te-bral ar-ter-y dis-sec-tion) is a significant cause of stroke in young and middle-aged patients. The term refers to a flap-like tear of the inner lining of the vertebral artery, which is located in the neck and supplies blood to the brain. After the tear, blood enters the arterial wall and forms a blood clot, thickening the artery wall and often impeding blood flow.

Etymology

The term "vertebral artery dissection" is derived from the Latin "vertere", meaning to turn, and the Greek "arteria", meaning windpipe. "Dissection" comes from the Latin "dissecare", which means to cut apart.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vertebral artery dissection include headache, neck pain, vertigo, dizziness, double vision, stroke, and ataxia (lack of muscle coordination). These symptoms result from the decreased blood flow to the brain and the irritation of the nerve roots.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection involves a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as MRI, MRA, or CT angiography. These tests can show the presence of a blood clot in the vertebral artery and the condition of the artery wall.

Treatment

Treatment for vertebral artery dissection aims to prevent stroke and heal the artery. This can involve medication to prevent blood clots, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs, and sometimes surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with vertebral artery dissection varies. Some people may recover with minor or no neurological deficits, while others may have significant neurological deficits or may die from complications such as stroke.

See Also

External links

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