Cervical Arterial Dysfunction

Question 1

What is CAD?

Answer 1

An umbrella term to cover a number of vascular pathologies which can lead to cervico-cranial ischema.

The pathologies can masquerade as MSK pain in their early stages.

Question 2

What are the risk factors for CAD?

Answer 2

• Recent trauma
• Vascular anomaly - previous DVT, PE etc
• Current or past smoker
• Migraines
• High cholesterol
• Recent infection
• HTN
• Oral contraception
• Family Hx of Stroke
• Cardiac disease
• Diabetes
• Long term use of steroids

Question 3

How should you Assess for CAD?

Answer 3

Check Blood Pressure:

• Ax for risk of stroke
• Ax for arterial damage

Neuro examination:

• Cranial nerve testing
• Peripheral nerve testing

Examination of the carotid artery

• Feel for pulse - does L = R
• Auscultate pulse - does L = R

Question 4

Name all of the cranial nerves:

Answer 4

• Olofactory
• Optic
• Occulomotor
• Trochlear
• Trigeminal
• Abducens
• Facial
• Vestibulocochlear
• Glassopharynx
• Vagus
• Accessory
• Hypoglossal