Stroke Due to Carotid Dissection

With sudden neurological symptoms, such as weakness or difficulty speaking, seeking emergency care is the priority, since time is key. A stroke secondary to carotid dissection occurs when a tear in the wall of the carotid artery, which carries blood to the brain, interrupts that flow and damages part of the brain tissue.

Warning signs: weakness or numbness on one side of the body, altered speech, vision problems, severe neck or head pain, and sudden dizziness.

Common causes: dissection can appear after neck trauma, abrupt movements, or spontaneously due to fragility of the arterial wall.

Which specialists are involved? The neurologist, the vascular surgeon, and the angiologist take part in its evaluation and management. Because of its severity, this situation requires immediate medical care; the consultation should not be postponed.