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Focal Cerebral Ischemia Model by Endovascular Suture Occlusion of the Middle Cerebral Artery in the Rat
Published on: February 5, 2011
[Dissection of cervical arteries as a cause of cerebral ischemia or cranial nerve dysfunction]
1Academisch Medisch Centrum, afd. Neurologie, Amsterdam.
Insights
Cervical artery dissections, often caused by minor trauma in young to middle-aged adults, can lead to stroke or pain. Diagnosis via angiography or MRI is key, with good prognosis and rare recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Cervical artery dissection accounts for about 3% of non-haemorrhagic strokes.
- Typically affects young and middle-aged individuals.
- Often presents with head or neck pain.
Observation:
- Carotid artery dissection can cause cranial nerve dysfunction, Horner's syndrome, or cerebral ischemia.
- Vertebral artery dissection may lead to brainstem ischemia or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
- A history of minor trauma is frequently reported.
Findings:
- Diagnosis commonly relies on angiography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- The prognosis for patients is generally good.
- Recurrences of cervical artery dissection are rare.
Implications:
- Anticoagulant therapy or aspirin is often recommended, despite unproven efficacy.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Understanding dissection mechanisms aids in stroke prevention strategies.
Abstract:
Nine patients with dissections of the cervical arteries are presented. Dissections cause approximately three per cent of non-haemorrhagic stroke and are usually observed in young and middle-aged patients. Dissections very often give rise to head or neck pain. Carotid artery dissection may lead to lower cranial nerve dysfunction and an incomplete Horner's syndrome in case of subadventitial dissection, and to cerebral ischaemia in case of subintimal spread. Vertebral artery dissection may cause brain stem ischaemia (subintimal dissection) or in rare cases a subarachnoid haemorrhage (subadventitial spread). The history frequently reveals a (trivial) traumatic event. Diagnosis is usually established by angiography or MRI. The prognosis is good and recurrences are rare. Treatment with anticoagulants or acetylsalicylic acid seems recommendable, though scientifically unproven.
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