How to detect vertebral artery dissection?
CTA, MRI, and catheter angiography can all be used to detect vertebral artery dissection, and each has pros and cons.
What is a vertebral artery aneurysm?
Vertebral artery (VA) aneurysms comprise approximately one-third of posterior circulation aneurysms. They are morphologically variable, and located critically close to the cranial nerves and the brainstem. We aim to represent the characteristics of these aneurysms and their treatment, and to analyze the outcome.
Where are vertebral arteries?
The vertebral arteries run through the spinal column in the neck to provide blood to the brain and spine. The vertebral arteries are part of the circulatory system. They carry blood to the brain and spinal cord, which are part of the nervous system.
What does a vertebral artery dissection feel like?
In the case of vertebral artery disease, symptoms may be minimal or severe. Symptoms run the gamut from vertigo, nausea and vomiting, changes in level of consciousness, headache, and speech disturbance as well as obvious severe neurologic deficits.
How long does it take for a vertebral artery dissection to heal?
Warfarin is typically continued for 3–6 months, as during this time the flow through the artery usually improves, and most strokes happen within the first 6 months after the development of the dissection. Some regard 3 months as sufficient.
Where is the vertebral artery most vulnerable?
Extracranial VADs The vertebral artery is most mobile and thus most vulnerable to mechanical injury at C1 to C2 as it leaves the transverse foramen of the axis vertebra and suddenly turns to enter the intracranial cavity.
What are the symptoms of vertebral artery occlusion?
Symptoms associated with vertebral artery occlusive disease include dizziness, vertigo, diplopia, perioral numbness, blurred vision, tinnitus, ataxia, bilateral sensory deficits, and syncope, all of which can be caused by other disease entities, including cardiac arrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension, and vestibular …