Postpartum vertebral artery dissection

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Vertebral artery dissection is a rare but serious condition.
• Postpartum women are at increased risk for various neurological complications.
• Vertigo is a common symptom with a broad differential diagnosis.

Observation:

• A 35-year-old woman presented with intractable vertigo 3 weeks postpartum.
• Initial suspected diagnoses included preeclampsia and dural venous thrombosis.
• The patient had recently delivered her fourth child without complications.

Findings:

• Right vertebral artery dissection was diagnosed as the cause of her symptoms.
• The dissection led to manifestations of vertebrobasilar disease.
• Neurological symptoms were predominantly severe vertigo.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of considering vertebral artery dissection in postpartum vertigo.
• Early diagnosis and management of vertebral artery dissection are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• Awareness of this association can improve diagnostic accuracy in postpartum neurological presentations.