CAD

Question 1

Pathological Stages of CAD/Dissection

Answer 1

Intimal Tear Formation: Damage to the inner artery wall (carotid or vertebral)
Hematoma Development: Blood collects between layers, narrowing the artery
Thrombus Formation: Risk of embolism leading to stroke
Ischemic Events: Cerebral ischemia or infarction (stroke)

Question 2

Presentation of CAD/Dissection

Answer 2

Early Signs (Local Symptoms):
Neck pain (often severe, unilateral)
Headache (temporal or occipital)
Pulsatile tinnitus
Facial pain

Neurological Symptoms:
Sudden visual disturbances
Dizziness or vertigo
Horner’s syndrome (ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis)
Dysphagia or speech difficulties
Limb weakness or numbness
Severe Presentation:

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Stroke

Question 3

Causes & Risk Factors for CAD/Dissection

Answer 3

Traumatic:
Whiplash injuries
Neck manipulation (e.g., chiropractic adjustments)

Non-traumatic:
Spontaneous (underlying connective tissue disorder)
Arterial hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Infection or inflammatory conditions

Risk Factors:
Age (younger adults 30-50 years)
Smoking
Genetic conditions (Ehlers-Danlos, Marfan syndrome)

Question 4

Red Flags for CAD/Dissection

Answer 4

Sudden, severe neck or head pain
Visual changes or loss
Horner’s syndrome signs
Unilateral weakness or numbness
Speech disturbances or swallowing difficulty
Dizziness or unsteadiness