Carotid Artery Dissection and Spinal Anatomy Overview

Flashcards covering key medical terms and definitions related to carotid artery dissection, spinal anatomy, and imaging protocols.

Carotid Artery Dissection

A tear in the tunica intima of the carotid artery, leading to a significant increase in ischemic stroke risk.

Horner’s Syndrome

A clinical triad associated with carotid dissection characterized by miosis, ptosis, and anhidrosis.

Ischemic Stroke

A type of stroke caused by blockage or clot, which is the most common form.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

A type of stroke that occurs due to a ruptured blood vessel, leading to bleeding in the brain.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A 'warning stroke' that resolves quickly but requires immediate imaging to prevent a major stroke.

Annulus Fibrosus

The tough, outer ring of the intervertebral disc.

Nucleus Pulposus

The soft, jelly-like center of the intervertebral disc.

Protrusion

A type of herniation where the base is wider than the herniated material itself.

Extrusion

A type of herniation where the herniation is wider than its base, posing a higher risk of nerve impingement.

Schmorl’s Node

Herniation of the nucleus pulposus through the vertebral endplate into an adjacent vertebra.

Spondylolisthesis

The forward slippage of one vertebra over the one below it.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina.

Syringomyelia

A fluid-filled cyst (syrinx) within the spinal cord.

Myelopathy

Spinal cord injury or dysfunction, often seen as signal change on T2 MRI.

Radiculopathy

Nerve root compression causing pain or numbness in limbs.

Cauda Equina Syndrome

Compression of the nerve roots at the base of the spinal cord, considered a medical emergency.

T1 Weighted MRI

Best for anatomy and visualizing fatty marrow.

T2 Weighted MRI

Best for pathology; CSF appears bright due to its water content.

STIR Sequence

Most sensitive for detecting bone marrow edema and fractures by suppressing fat.

Fat Saturation

A technique used in the neck to prevent bright fat from obscuring tumors or lymph nodes.

Professional Standard MRI in Neck Pain

MRI is preferred over ultrasound for assessing chronic neck pain.

CT Accuracy for Cervical Disc Herniations

CT imaging is approximately 72-91% accurate in identifying cervical disc herniations.