A Case of Delayed Traumatic Vertebral Artery Dissection

Abstract

Vertebral artery dissection is of special clinical importance because of its often-delayed presentation and the risk of potentially permanent neurological deficit, or even death, as a result of injury. Once a rarely discovered injury, the better availability and use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have contributed to an increased incidence. Early diagnosis and treatment can almost eliminate the threat of acute cerebral vascular injury and save lives. In this report, we review a case of delayed traumatic vertebral artery dissection and discuss the key clinical findings and management strategies.

Delayed Sudden Respiratory Arrest After a High-energy Motorcycle Accident

“…Chen reported a case of vertebral artery dissection probably caused by massage that almost resulted in the patient's death [3]. Even minor impact of the neck can injure the vertebral artery, although motor vehicle accidents or other impact mechanisms that induce rapid deceleration with stretching of the cervical artery over the lateral masses of the cervical vertebrae are the most common forms of trauma resulting in vascular dissections [4]. In addition to the initial signs and symptoms of trauma, neurological symptoms typically progress over the course of several hours to days, likely due to the propagation of a thrombus or distal embolization.…”