Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain
12:31

A Visual Description of the Dissection of the Cerebral Surface Vasculature and Associated Meninges and the Choroid Plexus from Rat Brain

Published on: November 14, 2012

Vertebral artery dissection and migraine headaches in children

T E Lotze1, J Paolicchi

  • 1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Ohio 43205, USA.

Journal of Child Neurology
|November 4, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric posterior circulation strokes are rare, but vertebral artery dissection can cause them. This case highlights the link between migraines and dissection in children presenting with neurological symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Vascular Neurology

Background:

  • Strokes affecting the posterior circulation are infrequent in pediatric populations.
  • Vertebral artery dissection is an uncommon cause of vertebrobasilar system insults.

Observation:

  • An 8-year-old boy with a history of migraine headaches presented with acute cerebellar signs and agitation.
  • Imaging revealed multiple infarctions in the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres.

Findings:

  • Vertebral angiography confirmed dissection of the left vertebral artery and occlusion of the basilar artery.
  • The study reviews risk factors for vertebral artery dissection, particularly its association with migraine headaches.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the necessity of considering arterial wall dissection in pediatric patients experiencing atypical migraines with new neurological deficits.
  • Diagnostic imaging plays a crucial role in identifying dissection in children.

More Related Videos

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache10:39

3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache

Published on: June 2, 2014

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache05:40

Dural Stimulation and Periorbital von Frey Testing in Mice As a Preclinical Model of Headache

Published on: July 29, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
Veins of Head and Neck01:19

Veins of Head and Neck

The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction01:14

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...