Non-traumatic vertebral artery dissection presenting with unilateral cervical pain, hemilateral vision problems and headache. Issue 5 (2nd September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van der Mieren, Gerry; Mertens, Tom; Somville, Francis J.
• Is Part Of: Acta chirurgica belgica. Volume 116:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 321
• Publication Date: 2016-09-02
• Subjects: Neck pain -- non-traumatic -- unilateral -- vertebral artery dissection; Surgery -- Periodicals; General Surgery; Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Surgery; Chirurgie (geneeskunde); Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2016.1171076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-5458

Abstract

Abstract: Spontaneous vertebral artery dissection is a rare condition, mainly affecting young adults with non-specific symptoms, which are often considered not severe. We report a case of a non-traumatic vertebral artery dissection in a 30-year-old woman. Our patient presented with unilateral right-sided neck pain and frontal headache during 3 weeks and recently developed right-sided vision problems. History and clinical findings were non-specific. Neurovascular imaging showed a right-sided vertebral artery dissection from C2 to C6 with an intima flap at C5–C6. The patient was observed in the stroke unit for 1 week and antithrombotics were given during 3 months. There was a complete revascularization of the vertebral artery after 3 months. A review of literature is given concerning predisposing factors, clinical symptoms, neurovascular imaging and treatment options.