What is the concept of vertebral artery traumatic embolism?

summary

Traumatic embolization of vertebral artery is a serious complication of cervical contusion. Because of the change of cervical position, the vertebral artery tortuosity, spasm, compression, transient symptoms. It can also cause secondary thrombosis due to strong traction or tear of vertebral artery. Let's share my experience with you.

What is the concept of vertebral artery traumatic embolism?

The symptoms of vertebral artery traumatic ischemia may be transient or progressive. Because of the change of cervical position, the vertebral artery tortuosity, spasm, compression, transient symptoms. The ischemic symptoms disappeared after the pressure factor was relieved. If the vertebral artery is strongly stretched or torn, it can cause secondary thrombosis and extend upward to the basilar artery. Ischemic symptoms can appear in hours to days after compression, showing progressive development.

The main branches of the vertebral artery into the brain are the posterior inferior cerebellar artery and the anterior spinal artery, and then the bilateral vertebral arteries synthesize into the basilar artery. Therefore, the main clinical manifestations are brain stem, cerebellum and cervical spinal cord ischemia.

They are posterior inferior cerebellar artery syndrome and brain stem lesions, such as vertigo, ataxia, dysphagia, facial numbness, abducens nerve and tongue paralysis. Basilar artery embolism can cause eye movement disorder, facial paralysis, hemiplegia, quadriplegia and coma. Anterior spinal artery embolism syndrome is mainly quadriplegia, the upper limb is heavier than the lower limb, accompanied by mild sensory impairment. The recovery process of quadriplegia is first lower limbs, then upper limbs, and the recovery of hand function is often slow.

matters needing attention

Head traction should be performed immediately when cervical spine fracture dislocation combined with vertebral artery contusion, that is, before vertebral artery thrombosis. Once thrombosis occurs after vertebral artery contusion, the therapeutic effect of traction will be greatly affected.