Description
The vertebral artery feeds into the basilar artery. The basilar artery supplies the cerebellum and mid brain. The vertebral arteries travel through a channel in the spine. Sudden movement of the neck, such as in a car accident, can cause injury (dissection) of this vessel. But a specific cause may not be identified. The dissection can cause an obstruction of blood flow resulting in a stroke. Strokes in this area cause balance problems, room spinning, double vision and difficulty speaking.
Symptoms
Room spinning (vertigo), double vision, incoordination, problems swallowing, difficulty speaking, weakness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CTA (a type of CT scan) or MRA (a type of MRI) of the head and neck will usually be done to establish the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Echocardiogram, CTA of the neck, MRA of the neck, PT (Protime), PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)
Specialists:
Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CTA (a type of CT scan) or MRA (a type of MRI) of the head and neck will usually be done to establish the diagnosis.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Echocardiogram, CTA of the neck, MRA of the neck, PT (Protime), PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)
Specialists:
Neurology
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the dissection. Therapy may include: anti-platelet medications (aspirin, clopidogrel/Plavix), anticoagulation with heparin, and/or blood pressure medications.