What is vertebral artery dissection?

Vertebral artery dissection is occurs when a major artery of the neck develops a tear, causing blood to flow between the layers of the artery which forces them apart (dissection), potentially causing a blockage of blood flow to the brain resulting in a stroke.

How do members experience vertebral artery dissection?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with vertebral artery dissection*

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for vertebral artery dissection*

Who has vertebral artery dissection on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 0
20s 1
30s 9
40s 8
50s 0
60s 0
70+ 2

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 6
Female 14