Vertebral Artery Dissection Questions & Answers

Updated: Feb 21, 2019
  • Author: Eddy S Lang, MDCM, CCFP(EM), CSPQ; Chief Editor: Barry E Brenner, MD, PhD, FACEP  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is the role of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) in stroke?

What are common characteristics of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are common symptoms of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are atypical symptoms of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are the signs of ischemia in patients with vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are the cerebellar findings in patients with vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

Which imaging studies are used in the diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of lab studies in the diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

How is vertebral artery dissection (VAD) treated?

What is vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the pathogenesis of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the pathophysiology of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the relevant anatomy in vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What causes vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are the risk factors associated with vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

How common is vertebral artery dissection (VAD) in the US?

What are the demographics of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the prognosis of extracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the prognosis of intracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the morbidity and mortality of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are the complications of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

Presentation

What is the typical presentation of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the clinical history of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are the symptoms of medial medullary syndrome in vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are the physical exam findings in patients with vertebral artery dissection (VAD) who do not have neurologic symptoms?

What are the signs of ischemia in vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are the cerebellar findings in vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

DDX

What are the diagnostic considerations in vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Vertebral Artery Dissection?

Workup

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

Which procedures are used in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of neuroimaging in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of CT scanning in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of MRI in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of MRA in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of 4-vessel cerebral angiography in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of duplex ultrasonography in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of transcranial Doppler sonography in the workup of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

Treatment

What is the emergent care of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

Which specialist consultations are indicated in the treatment of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of inpatient care in the treatment of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the medical care for vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the role of endovascular procedures in the treatment of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

How long is anticoagulation therapy needed for vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

What is the long-term monitoring of patients with vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

Medications

What is the medication of choice for treatment of vertebral artery dissection (VAD)?

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

Which medications in the drug class Antiplatelet Agents, Cardiovascular are used in the treatment of Vertebral Artery Dissection?

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