What is the most common cause of vertebral artery dissection?

The most common cause of vertebral artery dissection is trauma. Vertebral artery dissection often occurs as a result of blunt trauma to the neck, which can happen due to activities such as sporting events, car accidents, or falls, where the neck experiences sudden acceleration or deceleration forces. These physical forces can cause a tear in the arterial wall, leading to dissection.

While spontaneous occurrences can also lead to dissections, they are less common in comparison to trauma. Genetic disorders may predispose individuals to vascular weaknesses, but they account for a smaller proportion of dissection cases. Chronic hypertension can exacerbate vascular conditions, but it is not a direct cause of vertebral artery dissection. Understanding the primary role of trauma underscores the importance of assessing neck injuries in patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms, as timely intervention can be crucial.