Concerns about Vertebral Artery Dissection Symptoms
A 30-year-old female with a history of right vertebral artery dissection and transient ischemic attack following a car accident about a year ago has been experiencing some troubling symptoms. She is currently on a regimen that includes aspirin, although she often forgets to take the medication. A computerized tomography angiography (CTA) performed six months prior indicated that the dissection remains unchanged; however, her neurologist mentioned that this is likely the typical appearance, suggesting that healing may not occur. Recently, over the past few days, she has been noticing a dull pain on the right side of her neck. Initially, she attributed it to her sleeping position, but the discomfort has persisted and intensifies during head movement. This sensation resembles the pain she experienced during her previous vertebral artery dissection episode. Additionally, she’s also suffering from a mild headache at the base of her skull, rated around 2-3 out of 10 in terms of severity. She feels a peculiar dullness on the right side of her face compared to the left, though there are no symptoms like tingling or drooping, and she is not experiencing any vertigo. She is seeking advice about whether these symptoms might be linked to her prior dissection and is uncertain about where to seek medical attention. Should she wait until after the weekend to contact her neurologist, or would it be more appropriate to visit urgent care or an emergency room? Ideally, she would prefer to avoid an emergency department visit if possible.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 6:30:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about new symptoms following a history of vertebral artery dissection. Your recent dull neck pain and facial dullness—especially given your medical history—could be important indicators that warrant careful attention. Here are the main points to consider:
Overview
- Symptoms to Monitor: Dull neck pain, mild headache, and facial dullness can potentially relate to your past vertebral artery dissection, especially since they mimic your earlier experiences.
- Actionable Steps: It’s crucial not to delay in seeking medical attention due to your symptoms and history.
Explanation
- Neck Pain: Persistent pain in your neck that gets worse with movement can indicate irritation or issues with the vertebral artery or associated structures. Given the prior dissection, it’s wise to err on the side of caution.
- Facial Dullness: Although you don't have tingling or drooping, a sensation of dullness on one side of your face could suggest something that needs investigation, given your past medical history.
- Headache: While mild, any new headaches along with your other symptoms should be taken seriously because they might indicate vascular changes.
Next Steps
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Contact a Healthcare Provider: It would be best to reach out to your neurologist as soon as possible to discuss these symptoms. You can contact them over the weekend or during normal hours, depending on their availability.
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Consider Urgent Care: If you experience any escalation of symptoms, such as increased headache severity, sudden numbness, balance issues, or vision changes, seek urgent care or an emergency department immediately. These could be signs of complications that require prompt attention.
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Medication Adherence: Make a plan to improve your adherence to your aspirin regimen. This could involve setting reminders or using a medication organizer since it’s essential for managing your condition.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track the nature of your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and any accompanying symptoms. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Don’t wait if you feel your symptoms worsen; it's worth being vigilant given your history. Prioritize making that call to your neurologist about your new symptoms while also considering a visit to urgent care if needed. You're taking a wise step by being proactive in your health management.
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