Compressive Cervical Radiculopathy due to Vertebral Artery Dissection

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Neurology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a recognized cause of stroke.
• Peripheral neurological deficits are less commonly associated with CAD.

Observation:

• This study examines rare cases where CAD presents with peripheral weakness instead of stroke.
• A key diagnostic finding in these cases is a mural hematoma.

Findings:

• The mural hematoma in CAD can directly compress the ipsilateral C5 and/or C6 nerve roots.
• This compression leads to peripheral weakness, mimicking other neurological conditions.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering CAD in the differential diagnosis of peripheral weakness.
• Suggests specific imaging findings (mural hematoma) for diagnosing non-stroke presentations of CAD.