Spontaneous vertebral artery stenosis, dissection and cerebellar infarction in a gentleman while playing bowling.

Abstract

Background: An increased incidence of vertebral artery dissection has recently become a recognized cause of acute stroke for about 1/5 of strokes in young patients. Case Presentation: A male in his 30s presented to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe vertigo, vomiting, and dizziness while he was playing bowling. The symptoms started when he suddenly twisted his neck while throwing the ball towards pins. Initial diagnosis of central vertigo led to performing plain CT head and CT head angiogram, which demonstrated non-occlusive extradural left vertebral artery dissection. Following CT scans, an MRI head, and MRA head and neck were performed which confirmed the CT diagnosis and also showed left posterior inferior cerebellar artery territory infarcts with micro haemorrhages. The patient was started on dual antiplatelet medications which was continued for 6 months with a follow up MRI/MRA scan of head and neck. Conclusion: This appears to be a unique case where sudden twisting of the neck possibly resulted in vertebral artery dissection and cerebellar infarction. Hence, it is vital to be aware of sports related presentation resulting in sudden neck movements and tear in vertebral artery causing dissection.