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Vertebral artery compression due to head rotation in thalamic stroke
1Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
Pediatric Neurology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Head turning can compress the vertebral artery in children, even without spinal abnormalities. This case highlights the vulnerability of the vertebral artery to mechanical neck compression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Vertebral artery compression (VAC) is typically associated with spinal abnormalities like spondylosis and osteophytes in adults.
- Reports of VAC due to head turning in children lacking vertebral abnormalities are absent.
- Cerebral arteriography is a diagnostic tool for visualizing blood flow in cerebral arteries.
Observation:
- A pediatric case presented with thalamic stroke.
- Cerebral arteriography revealed significant vertebral artery compression during head turning in this child.
- Doppler ultrasonography confirmed intact vertebral artery blood flow with the head in a neutral position.
Findings:
- Head turning can induce vertebral artery compression in children, irrespective of underlying bony abnormalities.
- The vertebral artery demonstrates susceptibility to mechanical compression in the cervical region.
- Thalamic stroke can be a consequence of vertebral artery compromise.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of potential causes for stroke in children.
- It suggests the need for considering mechanical vertebral artery compression in pediatric stroke evaluations.
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for non-pathological vertebral artery compression in pediatric neck movements.