Dissection of the cervical internal carotid artery. The role of Doppler/Duplex studies and conservative management.

Cervical internal carotid dissection is not rare. Doppler ultrasound screening of young patients presenting with stroke, identified 10 patients with reduced common and internal carotid blood flow without any evidence of atheroma. Eight, on angiography proved to have a dissection of the cervical internal carotid artery. All were managed conservatively. Seven received anticoagulant therapy, stopping any further neurological symptoms.