Posterior headache as a warning symptom of vertebral dissection: a case report

Abstract

Cervicocerebral arterial dissection is an important cause of stroke in young adults; the onset is often characterised by severe occipital headache, followed by nausea, vomiting and vertigo, mimicking a migraine attack. We describe herewith a case of vertebral arterial dissection with cerebellar infarction, which started with a posterior headache and neurovegetative symptoms, without other signs. Recommendations for recognition of similar cases, potentially dangerous and treatable, are discussed.