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Symptoms of Cervical-Artery Dissection (CAD)

Introduction to Cervical-Artery Dissection Symptoms

Cervical-artery dissection (CAD) is a significant cause of cerebral ischemia, particularly in young adults. The condition can manifest through a variety of symptoms, ranging from benign to severe, with the potential to lead to stroke or transient ischemic attacks.

Common Symptoms of Cervical-Artery Dissection

Headache and Neck Pain

One of the most prevalent symptoms of CAD is headache, which occurs in over 70% of cases. This headache is often severe and localized in the fronto-temporal or occipito-nuchal regions, depending on whether the dissection is in the anterior or posterior circulation. Neck pain is another common symptom, frequently accompanying the headache.

Neurological Symptoms

Patients with CAD may also experience neurological symptoms such as Horner's syndrome and cranial-nerve palsy. These symptoms are indicative of the involvement of specific nerve pathways affected by the dissection. Additionally, CAD can lead to more severe neurological outcomes like stroke or transient ischemic attacks, which are critical to diagnose and manage promptly .

Risk Factors and Diagnostic Challenges

Predisposing Factors

Several risk factors have been associated with CAD, including trauma to the neck, infections, migraines, and genetic predispositions such as the MTHFR 677TT genotype. Despite these associations, the exact pathophysiology of CAD remains not fully understood, necessitating further research.

Diagnostic Importance

Accurate diagnosis of CAD is crucial for effective management and treatment. Imaging techniques like MRI or CTA are essential for confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment decisions, which often involve anticoagulants or antithrombotics to prevent stroke.

Conclusion

Cervical-artery dissection presents with a range of symptoms, primarily headache and neck pain, along with potential neurological deficits. Understanding these symptoms and the associated risk factors is vital for timely diagnosis and management to prevent severe outcomes like stroke. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of CAD and improve patient care strategies.