Context and Definition

Context

Although cervical artery dissections can occur at any age, they account for approximately 13% of ischaemic strokes in patients under 45 years of age, and the condition is likely to be underdiagnosed.

This condition is easily missed and the key to making the diagnosis is having a high index of suspicion based on the clinical presentation.

Definition

Which arteries can cervical artery dissection affect?

Cervical artery dissection encompasses dissections of both the carotid and vertebral arteries.

Do dissections of carotid and vertebral arteries have the same aetiology and presentation?

These conditions have similar aetiology but different clinical presentations.

What is the incidence of this condition?

The combined incidence is around 3.5-4.5 per 100,000 people; with carotid artery dissection being twice as common as vertebral artery dissection.