Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Microsurgical Clip Obliteration of Middle Cerebral Aneurysm Using Intraoperative Flow Assessment
18:50

Microsurgical Clip Obliteration of Middle Cerebral Aneurysm Using Intraoperative Flow Assessment

Published on: September 25, 2009

Vertebral artery dissection presented as lateral medullary syndrome in a patient with migraine: a case report

Ju-Chun Yen1, Lung Chan, Yen-Jun Lai

  • 1Section of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
|January 7, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Migraine attacks may predispose arteries to dissection, potentially causing ischemic stroke. This case highlights a link between basilar-type migraine and vertebral artery dissection, suggesting vessel wall changes as a possible mechanism.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Neurology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Migraine and intracranial artery dissection are rare causes of ischemic stroke.
  • The mechanism linking migraine to intracranial artery dissection remains unclear.
  • Repeated migraine attacks may increase artery vulnerability to dissection.

Observation:

  • A 42-year-old female with a 20-year history of basilar-type migraine presented with dizziness.
  • Neurological examination revealed lateral medullary syndrome.
  • Brain MRI confirmed acute infarction in the left lateral medulla oblongata.

Findings:

  • Cerebral angiography identified dissection of the left distal vertebral artery.
  • The patient received aspirin for secondary stroke prevention and topiramate for migraine prophylaxis.
  • This case suggests a potential association between migraine and vertebral artery dissection.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest that vessel wall edematous changes from repeated migraine attacks may lead to dissection.
  • This proposed mechanism involves sudden or unusual vessel stretching.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism of migraine-related intracranial artery dissection.

More Related Videos

Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome05:12

Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome

Published on: September 19, 2019

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

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...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
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...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...