About Familial cervical artery dissection

What is Familial cervical artery dissection?

Familial cervical artery dissection (FCAD) is a rare genetic disorder that affects the arteries in the neck. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the protein elastin, which is responsible for the elasticity of the arteries. FCAD can cause a tear in the wall of the artery, leading to a stroke or other serious complications. Symptoms of FCAD include headache, neck pain, dizziness, and vision changes. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce the risk of stroke and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of further artery damage.

What are the symptoms of Familial cervical artery dissection?

The most common symptom of familial cervical artery dissection is a sudden, severe headache. Other symptoms may include neck pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and difficulty speaking. In some cases, a person may experience a Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to the dissection.

What are the causes of Familial cervical artery dissection?

The exact cause of familial cervical artery dissection is unknown. However, some potential risk factors include:
* Genetic predisposition: Certain genetic mutations have been linked to an increased risk of familial cervical artery dissection.
* Connective tissue disorders: People with connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, may be at an increased risk of familial cervical artery dissection.
* Trauma: Traumatic injuries to the neck, such as whiplash, may increase the risk of familial cervical artery dissection.
* High blood pressure: People with high blood pressure may be at an increased risk of familial cervical artery dissection.
* Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of familial cervical artery dissection.

What are the treatments for Familial cervical artery dissection?

Treatment for familial cervical artery dissection typically involves medications to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of further dissection. Medications may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants, and statins. Lifestyle modifications may include avoiding activities that increase the risk of dissection, such as contact sports, and avoiding activities that increase blood pressure, such as smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Surgery may be recommended in some cases to repair the artery.

What are the risk factors for Familial cervical artery dissection?

The risk factors for Familial cervical artery dissection include:

1. Family history of cervical artery dissection
2. Hypertension
3. Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome
4. Recent neck trauma
5. Smoking
6. Migraine headaches
7. Pregnancy
8. Oral contraceptive use
9. Cocaine use
10. Atherosclerosis

Is there a cure/medications for Familial cervical artery dissection?

At this time, there is no known cure for familial cervical artery dissection. Treatment typically involves medications to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of further dissection. Medications may include anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, and/or statins. Surgery may be recommended in some cases.