Diagnosis and management of cervical arterial dissection

Cervical arterial dissection is an important cause resulting in stroke, particularly in young adults.The clinical manifestation of cervical arterial dissection may be various, and imaging examinations have a great value in the diagnosis of cervical arterial dissection. At present, anticoagulation and anti-platelet aggregation are the most important medication, while intravascular intervention is a new option for patients failed to respond to medical treatment. This article reviews the recent progress in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical arterial dissection. Key words: carotid artery, internal, dissection;  vertebral artery dissection;  diagnosis;  anticoagulants;  stents