Carotid Artery Dissection Questions & Answers

Updated: Feb 19, 2019
  • Author: David Zohrabian, MD, FAAEM, FACEP; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP  more...
  • Print
Questions & Answers

Overview

How does carotid artery dissection begin?

Which conditions are a result of carotid artery dissection?

What is the association of ischemic stroke and carotid artery dissection?

Where does dissection of the internal carotid artery occur?

What is the role of minor trauma in the etiology of carotid artery dissections?

How is carotid artery dissection confirmed?

What is included in long-term monitoring of carotid artery dissection?

What are the pathophysiologic mechanisms of carotid artery dissection?

What is the pathogenesis of carotid artery dissection?

What is the source of distal emboli in pathogenesis of carotid artery dissection?

What is the pathophysiology of carotid artery dissection aneurysmal dilation?

What are causes of carotid artery dissection?

What is the incidence of carotid artery dissection?

In which age groups is carotid artery dissection most common?

How does the incidence of carotid artery dissection vary by sex?

What is the prognosis of carotid artery dissection?

How severe is morbidity from carotid artery dissection?

What is the prevalence of long-term neurologic sequelae due to carotid artery dissection?

What is the risk of recurrence for carotid artery dissection?

Presentation

What history is characteristic of carotid artery dissection?

What are the signs and symptoms of carotid artery dissection?

How is pain associated with carotid artery dissection characterized?

What are uncommon symptoms of carotid artery dissection?

Why is careful exam critical in the diagnosis of high-impact trauma-related carotid artery dissection?

What are physical findings suggestive of carotid artery dissection?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Carotid Artery Dissection?

Workup

What is the role of lab studies in the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection?

What is the role of magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection?

What is the role of helical computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection?

What is the role of conventional angiography in the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection?

What is the role of Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) in the diagnosis of carotid artery dissection?

How does carotid artery dissection appear on Doppler ultrasonography (DUS)?

Which supplementary tests may be needed to diagnose internal carotid artery dissection?

Treatment

What are the initial steps in emergency department (ED) management of suspected carotid artery dissection?

How should carotid artery dissection be assessed in the emergency department (ED)?

What is the basis for treatment selection in carotid artery dissection?

When are anticoagulant therapy and antiplatelet therapy used in the treatment of carotid artery dissections?

What is the role of surgery in the management of carotid artery dissections?

Which specialist consultations are helpful in the management of carotid artery dissection?

What is included in long-term monitoring for carotid artery dissection?

Medications

What is the goal of medical management of carotid artery dissection?

Which medications in the drug class Thrombolytics are used in the treatment of Carotid Artery Dissection?

Which medications in the drug class Antiplatelet Agents are used in the treatment of Carotid Artery Dissection?

Which medications in the drug class Anticoagulants, Cardiovascular are used in the treatment of Carotid Artery Dissection?