However, parts of the thrombus can break apart and result in emboli that can lodge themselves in distal cerebral arteries causing ischemic stroke, otherwise known as a cerebral infarction. Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of cervical artery dissection are often non-specific or generalized and can either develop acutely or over several days. Headache
Visual disturbances (i.e. diplopia, ptosis)
Tinnitus
Neck and face pain
Horner syndrome (often partial)
Loss of taste
Anosmia
Unilateral weakness
Stroke

Imaging
Various imaging modalities can be used for the diagnosis of cervical artery dissection. The diagnosis of cervical artery dissection can be confirmed with the presence of a mural hematoma on ultrasound (US) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and will also guide therapeutic decision making. MRI, with a fat-suppressed T1 sequence, is often first-line imaging. However, other modalities exist with helical computed topographic angiography (CTA) becoming the new gold-standard. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and doppler US can also be utilized as additional non-invasive imaging techniques. The purpose of these imaging techniques is often multi-functional. These imaging modalities can detect the direction and changes of blood flow within the arteries and whether the dissection has resulted in any damage to brain tissue. Treatment
The primary goal of treatment in cervical artery dissection is preventing or treating a stroke. Treatment guidelines also depend on the presence of underlying connective tissue disorders, dissection secondary to trauma, and underlying medical conditions. Management is often using either antiplatelet agents (i.e. aspirin) or anti-coagulation to prevent development of thrombus. Antiplatelet drugs can be given as individual drugs, or in combination (i.e. aspirin alone, or aspiring and clopidogrel).
Anticoagulation such as heparin, intravenously (IV) or injectable (shot) can be given while inpatient and followed by heparin. A recent trial in 2015,  the Cervical Artery Dissection in Stroke Study (CADISS), examined the efficacy of antiplatelet and anticoagulation treatment with the primary endpoint of ipsilateral stroke or death in individuals with symptomatic dissections. The CADISS trial revealed no significant difference in efficacy of antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs in preventing strokes or death, but did note that strokes were rare in either group, and rarer than what has been reported in observational studies. == References ==