Carotid Artery Dissection

Carotid Artery Dissection

Carotid artery dissection is a tear in one of the main arteries supplying blood to the brain. This can interrupt blood flow and is a leading cause of ischaemic stroke in younger and middle-aged adults. Though uncommon, it can cause serious neurological symptoms and long-term complications.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we offer tailored inpatient neurorehabilitation for people recovering from stroke or neurological injury caused by carotid dissection. Our multidisciplinary team helps patients regain function, mobility, and independence after a vascular event.

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What Is Carotid Artery Dissection?

The carotid arteries run along either side of the neck and supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. A dissection occurs when there is a tear in the artery wall, causing blood to flow between the layers of the vessel. This can:

• Narrow or block the artery
• Lead to clot formation
• Cause a clot or embolus to travel to the brain, resulting in a stroke

In some cases, the dissection may heal on its own. In others, it causes significant neurological symptoms requiring emergency treatment and ongoing care.

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Who Is Affected?

Carotid artery dissection can affect anyone but is more common in:

• Adults aged 30–50
• Those with minor neck trauma or strain
• Individuals with connective tissue disorders (e.g. Ehlers‑Danlos or Marfan syndrome)
• People with high blood pressure or migraines
• Individuals with no known risk factors — known as spontaneous dissection

It accounts for up to 20% of strokes in younger adults under the age of 50.

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Symptoms of Carotid Artery Dissection

Signs can develop suddenly or gradually over hours to days. They include:

• Sudden weakness or numbness, often on one side of the body
• Headache or neck pain, often sharp or throbbing
• Facial drooping
• Slurred speech or difficulty understanding language
• Vision changes or loss in one eye
• Pulsatile tinnitus (hearing a rhythmic whooshing sound)
• Horner’s syndrome – drooping eyelid, small pupil, and lack of sweating on one side of the face

Some patients experience a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) before a full stroke develops.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• MRI and MR angiography
• CT angiography (CTA)
• Ultrasound of the neck vessels
• Detailed neurological examination

These tests help confirm the presence of a dissection, identify the location and severity, and rule out other causes of stroke.

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Treatment

Initial treatment focuses on preventing further stroke and allowing the artery to heal. Options may include:

• Anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications
• Blood pressure management
• Pain relief and supportive care
• In rare cases, surgical or endovascular repair of the artery

Even after the artery has healed, some people are left with physical or cognitive effects requiring ongoing rehabilitation.

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Stroke and Long-Term Impact

Carotid artery dissection is one of the most treatable causes of stroke — but recovery depends on how quickly treatment begins and the extent of brain injury. Patients may experience:

• Weakness or paralysis on one side
• Balance and coordination issues
• Speech or swallowing problems
• Cognitive changes such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue or mood changes

In these cases, structured neurorehabilitation plays a critical role in recovery.

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Inpatient Neurorehabilitation at Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

We provide dedicated support for patients recovering from dissection-related stroke or neurological complications. Our programmes are led by consultants and delivered by a multidisciplinary team including:

• Neurological physiotherapy – for strength, balance, and walking
• Occupational therapy – to support daily living and self-care
• Speech and language therapy – for communication and swallowing
• Neuropsychology – for memory, cognition, and emotional wellbeing
• 24/7 nursing care in a peaceful, supportive environment

Each rehabilitation plan is personalised to the patient’s needs and long-term goals.

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Who We Support

We welcome adult patients (18+) who:

• Are recovering from a stroke caused by carotid dissection
• Have ongoing weakness, fatigue, or cognitive symptoms
• Require inpatient rehabilitation after hospital discharge
• Want to reduce future stroke risk and maximise recovery

To speak with our team or arrange an assessment, please call 01296 678800 or contact us online.

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Why Choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?

• One of the UK’s leading private neurorehabilitation hospitals
• Expert care for stroke in younger and older adults
• Specialist programmes for complex vascular cases
• Consultant-led, multidisciplinary approach
• Calm, structured inpatient environment with 24/7 support