A group of brain disorders involving loss of brain functions, caused by bleeding within the lining of the carotid artery of the neck. The specific neurologic deficits may vary depending on the location, extent of the damage, and cause of the disorder. 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. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. It is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for medical care or supervised medical treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.