Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
09:21

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Published on: January 18, 2018

12.7K

Cervical artery dissection: early recognition and stroke prevention [digest]

Rhonda Cadena1, Jeremy Kim2

  • 1Assistant Professor, Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.

Emergency Medicine Practice
|July 27, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cervical artery dissection, a cause of stroke in young adults and trauma patients, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. This review focuses on screening, imaging, and antithrombotic strategies to prevent ischemic stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Cervical artery dissections (CAD) affect carotid and vertebral arteries.
  • CAD is a significant cause of stroke in younger populations and trauma patients.
  • Symptoms like headache and neck pain may be absent in obtunded trauma patients, complicating diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on advanced screening criteria for CAD.
  • To guide the selection of appropriate imaging modalities for CAD.
  • To outline antithrombotic treatment strategies to reduce ischemic stroke risk in CAD patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on cervical artery dissections.
  • Analysis of screening criteria for early detection.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic imaging techniques.
  • Assessment of antithrombotic therapy efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

  • Early recognition and treatment of CAD are crucial to prevent neurological deficits.
  • Advanced screening can improve diagnostic yield in emergency settings.
  • Appropriate imaging and timely antithrombotic therapy reduce stroke incidence.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt diagnosis and management of cervical artery dissections are essential.
  • Utilizing advanced screening and evidence-based treatment strategies can mitigate stroke risk.
  • Emergency clinicians must be vigilant for CAD, even in atypical presentations.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Assessing Ischemic Stroke Damage Through Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model05:32

Author Spotlight: Assessing Ischemic Stroke Damage Through Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model

Published on: August 11, 2023

3.1K
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

735

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...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
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...