Overview
Familial cervical artery dissection (also sometimes called hereditary cervical artery dissection) is a condition where the walls of the arteries in the neck — called cervical arteries — develop a tear or split. These arteries, which include the carotid and vertebral arteries, carry blood from the heart to the brain. When a tear happens, blood can get trapped inside the artery wall, forming a clot that may block blood flow or break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. What makes this condition 'familial' is that it tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic cause, though the exact genes responsible are not fully understood in all cases. People with this condition may experience sudden, severe neck pain or headache, often followed by stroke-like symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, drooping of the face, slurred speech, or vision problems. Some people have a milder episode first, which can be a warning sign. The condition can affect people at a relatively young age compared to typical stroke patients. Treatment usually focuses on preventing stroke and managing symptoms. Blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs) are commonly used to reduce the risk of clot formation. In some cases, procedures to open or support the artery may be needed. Because this condition is now considered 'obsolete' as a separate Orphanet classification, it may be grouped under broader connective tissue or vascular disorders in current medical practice. Genetic counseling is recommended for affected families.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Sudden, severe neck painSudden severe headache, often described as the worst headache of your lifeWeakness or numbness on one side of the bodyDrooping of one side of the faceSlurred or garbled speechDifficulty swallowingVision changes or loss in one eyeDizziness or loss of balanceRinging in the ears on one sideDrooping eyelid and small pupil on one side (Horner syndrome)
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Familial cervical artery dissection.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Familial cervical artery dissection.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Familial cervical artery dissection.
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What type of imaging do I need, and how often should I be monitored?,Should my close family members be screened for this condition?,Do I need genetic testing, and if so, which genes should be tested?,How long do I need to take blood thinners, and which type is best for me?,Are there activities or sports I should avoid to reduce my risk of another dissection?,What are the warning signs that I should go to the emergency room immediately?,Should I see a genetic counselor, and what can genetic counseling tell my family?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Familial cervical artery dissection
What is OBSOLETE: Familial cervical artery dissection?
Familial cervical artery dissection (also sometimes called hereditary cervical artery dissection) is a condition where the walls of the arteries in the neck — called cervical arteries — develop a tear or split. These arteries, which include the carotid and vertebral arteries, carry blood from the heart to the brain. When a tear happens, blood can get trapped inside the artery wall, forming a clot that may block blood flow or break off and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. What makes this condition 'familial' is that it tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic cause, though the exact
At what age does OBSOLETE: Familial cervical artery dissection typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Familial cervical artery dissection is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.