What does vertebral artery pain feel like?

What does vertebral artery pain feel like?

A vertebral artery tear may feel like something sharp is stuck in the base of your skull. If you experience such pain — especially if you also have stroke symptoms such as dizziness, double vision, jerky eye movements, unsteadiness while walking, or slurred speech — call 911 immediately.

Can you have a vertebral artery dissection and not know it?

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a rare cause of stroke in the general population; however, represents one of the more common causes of stroke in patients younger than 45 years of age. Its signs and symptoms can be vague, and diagnosis can be elusive.

How long do headaches last after vertebral artery dissection?

Pain started suddenly, was of sharp quality and severe intensity, different from any previously experienced headache. Following acute onset, the time course of pain was monophasic with gradual remission of a persistent headache lasting one to three weeks.

Is a vertebral artery dissection painful?

The severe pain remains the hallmark and cannot be ignored. Further neurologic imaging with CTA or MRI must be performed if clinical suspicion is high. Patients with vertebral artery dissection must be admitted to the hospital for close neurological monitoring and if indicated, anticoagulation.

Can chiropractic manipulation cause vertebral artery dissection?

A retrospective study of stroke cases at two major academic medical centers, led by University of California, San Francisco neurologists, indicates that chiropractic manipulation of the neck can cause vertebral artery dissection, a tearing of the vertebral artery leading to the brain that causes stroke or transient …

Does vertebral artery dissection cause high blood pressure?

There have been no reports in which ABPM was used to assess BP associated with vertebral artery dissection. The reported rate of masked hypertension, i.e., normal BP in the office but higher BP in the ambulatory setting, is 10−15%, and masked hypertension may be associated with a risk of Fig. 4.

What is the most common cause of vertebral artery dissection?

[4][5][6]Blunt trauma to the neck is the most common reported precipitating event. Patients with connective tissue disorders are also at increased risk. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is the most common connective tissue disorder that can cause vertebral artery dissection.

How long does vertebral artery dissection take to heal?

Warfarin is typically continued for 3–6 months, as during this time the flow through the artery usually improves, and most strokes happen within the first 6 months after the development of the dissection. Some regard 3 months as sufficient.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69f5P18yv8g

author

Back to Top