Cervucal Arterial Dysfunction

Question 1

What is CAD

Answer 1

Refers to a range of conditions that affect the cervical arteries, vertebral and carotid arteries, which can lead to significant neurological deformities

Question 2

Epidemiology and risk factors of CAD

Answer 2

Age, increases with prevalence
Hypertension, high bp can damage arterial walls
Hyperlidemia, elevated cholesterol levels can contribute to arteriosclerosis
Smoking
Trauma, whiplash injuries or neck injuries
genetic factors
High prevalence in females

Question 3

Systemic effects of CAD

Answer 3

Neurological deficits, due to reduced blood flow to the brain, potentially leading to a stroke
Chronic pain, neck pain and headaches may persist due to issues
Cognitive impairment, long term ischemia can affect cognitive function

Question 4

Clinical presentation of CAD

Answer 4

Neck pain, often unilateral, may be associated with a migraine
Neurological symptom,s, dizziness, visual disturbances, focal neurological deficits
Transient symptoms, weakness, numbness, tingling in the arms, legs
Difficulty with coordination
Tinnitus, ringing or buzzing in the ear
Syncope, patient might experience fainting spells

Question 5

Pathology of CAD

Answer 5

Can results from various pathological processes;
-arteriosclerosis, build up of plaque in the arteries, narrowing and reducing blood flow.
-dissection, in the artery width, leads to blood lotting
-fibromuscular dysplasia, abnormal growth of cells in the artery walls leading to stenosis or aneurysm formation

Question 6

Differential diagnosis of CAD

Answer 6

Stroke, mimics symptoms
Transient ischeamic attack (TIA) temporary Espinosa or neurological dysfunction
Migraine
Cervical spondylosis, degernative changes in the c spine
Heart attack

Question 7

Treatment of CAD

Answer 7

Antithrombotic therapy
Surgical interventions.
Lifestyle modifications, hypertension, hyperlidemia and smoking
Physical therapy