Vertebral Artery Dissection (Neck Artery Tear)
Description
The vertebral artery feeds into the basilar artery. The basilar artery supplies the cerebellum and mid brain. The vertebral arteries travel through a channel in the spine and sudden movement such as in a car accident, or chiropractic manipulation of the neck can cause injury (dissection) of this vessel. The dissection can cause an obstruction of blood flow resulting in a stroke. Strokes in this area cause balance problems, room spinning, double vision and difficulty speaking.
Symptoms
Room spinning (vertigo), double vision, incoordination, problems swallowing, difficulty speaking, weakness.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests will be done to establish the diagnosis. A CTA of the head and neck, a MRA of the head and neck or an angiogram identifies the vascular abnormality.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- X-Ray
- EKG
- CT Scan
- MRI
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the dissection. Therapy may include: anti-platelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel/Plavix), blood pressure medications, heparin, and/or anti-seizure medications.
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