Stroke is caused by a loss of blood circulation to an area or areas of the brain. The specific neurologic deficits may vary depending on the location, extent of the damage, and cause of the disorder. A carotid dissection is when a carotid artery develops a tear in its lining. The flow of blood in between the various layers of the blood vessel causes the layers to separate, resulting in the lumen (channel) narrowing. Stroke secondary to carotid dissection, unlike many other forms of stroke, may occur in young people, usually under 40 years old. Dissection accounts for less than 5% of strokes. The risks for stroke secondary to carotid dissection include a history of disorders that cause weakness of the blood vessels, such as Marfan's syndrome, fibromuscular dysplasia, and others. Risks also include injury or trauma of the neck. Invasive procedures that involve the carotid artery (e.g., arteriogram) can also put someone at risk.
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