Vertebral Artery Dissection

Excerpt

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a rare cause of stroke in the general population; however, represents one of the more common causes of stroke in patients younger than 45 years of age. Its signs and symptoms can be vague, and diagnosis can be elusive. Spontaneous dissections have been reported. However, incidental minor trauma often precipitates this potentially dangerous condition. Often some neck distortion such as chiropractic manipulation, bending of the neck, or blunt trauma causes the dissection. The dissection of the artery may ultimately lead to a stroke which often can be delayed for days following the acute dissection.

The majority of dissections are intracranial. It is estimated that vertebral artery dissection may be responsible for at least 20% of ischemic strokes in young people.