I67.0

Clinical Causes: Trauma or injury to the head or neck Connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome High blood pressure weakening arterial walls Certain infections that can weaken blood vessel walls Underlying genetic factors affecting blood vessel integrity Age-related degeneration of blood vessel walls Muscle or tissue weakness in arterial walls

Key Symptoms: Sudden severe headache, often described as the worst headache ever experienced Symptoms of stroke such as weakness or numbness on one side of the body Difficulty speaking or understanding speech Sudden loss of vision or visual disturbances Dizziness or loss of balance Neck pain or stiffness Nausea and vomiting Facial asymmetry or drooping Sudden confusion or cognitive changes

Diagnosis Path: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of blood vessels and brain tissue. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): Non-invasive method to visualize blood flow and detect dissections. Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): Uses CT imaging with contrast dye to highlight blood vessels. Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA): An invasive test providing detailed images of arterial structures, usually used when other tests are inconclusive.

Treatment Protocols: Blood pressure management to reduce stress on arterial walls Antiplatelet medications such as aspirin to prevent blood clots Anticoagulants in certain cases to prevent clot formation, though cautiously used due to bleeding risk Pain management for headache relief Monitoring and follow-up imaging to track arterial healing or progression In rare cases, surgical or endovascular procedures may be considered to repair the dissected artery Lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation, regular exercise, and maintaining healthy blood pressure