Stroke secondary to carotid dissection

Definition:

A group of brain disorders involving loss of brain functions, caused by bleeding within the lining of the carotid artery of the neck.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Stroke secondary to carotid dissection, unlike many other forms of stroke, may occur in young people, usually under 40 years old.

Stroke involves loss of brain functions (neurologic deficits) caused by a loss of blood circulation to areas of the brain. The specific neurologic deficits may vary depending on the location, extent of the damage, and cause of the disorder. Stroke is caused by reduced blood flow (ischemia) that results in deficient blood supply and death of tissues in that area (infarction).

The carotid arteries are two arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain. Carotid dissection means that there is an injury to the artery or a weakened area in the lining of the artery. Blood leaks into the lining of the artery, reducing the amount of blood that reaches the brain.

Risks for stroke secondary to carotid dissection include a history of Marfan's syndrome, fibromuscular dysplasia, or other disorders that may involve weakness of the blood vessels. Risks also include a history of injury or trauma involving the neck.