Arterial Dissection

An arterial dissection is a tear in the lining of an artery. When such a tear occurs in the carotid or vertebral arteries, the major arteries to the brain, this is called a cerebral arterial dissection. The flow of blood in between the layers of the torn blood vessel may cause the artery to narrow and even close off entirely. This may affect the blood flow to certain areas of the brain that are supplied by the affected artery, resulting in stroke. During a stroke, a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked or bursts. Although strokes are more common in adults, they can also occur children. Arterial dissection is a leading cause of stroke in young people.

There are various causes of dissections in children, including some sort of trauma to the neck or head that may range from severe to very mild, such as turning or bending one's head suddenly. However, many dissections occur spontaneously for unknown reasons. Although any of the arteries in the neck may be affected, spontaneous arterial dissections in children most commonly involve an artery located inside the skull. Dissections that are caused by a significant trauma, on the other hand, typically occur in an artery in the neck.

Although adult men and women are equally affected by arterial dissections, a study conducted by experts at UCSF Medical Center, found that boys experience spontaneous arterial dissections much more commonly than girls. Children who have an arterial dissection may suffer from permanent or temporary neurological effects of stroke. Strokes can affect many aspects of a child's development including movement, speech, behavior and learning. In severe cases, arterial dissection may be fatal.

Our UCSF Pediatric Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease Center is staffed by the world's leading experts in stroke and cerebrovascular disease among children. A team of experts specializing in arterial dissections works together with you and your family to develop the best possible treatment plan for your child.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call:
Child Neurology Clinic (415) 353-2525

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated August 15, 2007