Tissue Plasminogen Activator
in a Vertebral Artery Dissection

This section is compiled by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:    Frankp@chiro.org

FROM:   Can J. Neurol Sci 1997 (May); 24 (2): 151–154

Andrew P. Gasecki, Carmelo Graffagnino and Vladimir Hachinski

Division of Neurology,
University of Nebraska Medical Center,
Omaha 68198-2045, USA.

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Background:   Spontaneous dissection of the vertebral artery is uncommon.

Method:   Case study.

Results:   We report a 49-year-old woman who presented with the rapidly progressing basilar artery syndrome who was given an intravenous dose of tissue plasminogen activator seven hours after the onset of first symptoms. Thirty minutes after the injection, a dramatic recovery of the patient's consciousness and neurological signs was noted.

Conclusion:   To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator use in acute vertebral artery dissection.

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