Key result
Vertebral artery dissection presents atypically as ear pain and vertigo causing acute ischemic stroke.
Why the study?
Vertebral artery dissection is a notable cause of stroke with diagnostic challenges in patients presenting with atypical symptoms.
Case Report (n=1)
This case highlights the importance of recognizing atypical presentations of vertebral artery dissection to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Supports inclusion of VAD in the differential for young adults with acute vertigo and diplopia; this Level 5 case leaves open optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a notable cause of stroke, especially in young individuals. This case reports the diagnosis of ischemic stroke in the right cerebellar hemisphere and posterior medulla on the right side, secondary to dissection of the V3 segment of the right vertebral artery of a 24-year-old female. She presented with the chief complaint of vertigo and double vision for a duration of one day. Her initial symptoms presented one day before, which were excruciating pain in her right ear and subsequent temporary hearing loss in the same ear. The patient had significant nystagmus. Computed tomography scan of the head and computed tomography angiography were negative for acute findings. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head with contrast was done, indicating an acute/subacute ischemic stroke in the right cerebellar hemisphere and posterior medulla on the right side. MRI of the neck showed occlusive dissection of the V3 segment of the right vertebral artery. Dual antiplatelet therapy was initiated with aspirin and Brilinta. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and diagnosing VAD in a timely manner, especially in patients with atypical symptoms.
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Akhtar et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Vertebral artery dissection (n=1). Vertebral artery dissection was evaluated on Ischemic stroke in the right cerebellar hemisphere and posterior medulla. A 24-year-old female presenting with atypical symptoms of ear pain and vertigo was diagnosed with ischemic stroke secondary to vertebral artery dissection.
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