Vertebral Artery Dissection Treatment in India
About Vertebral Artery Dissection
Key Highlights
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Addresses a critical, stroke-causing condition by repairing the damaged vertebral artery.Helps restore normal blood flow to the brainstem and cerebellum, preventing further neurological damage.Can be performed using minimally invasive endovascular techniques (stenting) in suitable cases, potentially reducing recovery time.Aims to alleviate severe symptoms like headache, vertigo, and neurological deficits.Performed by specialized neurosurgeons or vascular surgeons with expertise in complex cerebrovascular anatomy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed vertebral artery dissection with significant stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion that poses a high risk of stroke.
- Dissection causing recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or minor strokes despite optimal medical therapy (e.g., blood thinners).
- Progressive neurological symptoms, such as worsening vertigo, ataxia (loss of coordination), or visual disturbances, linked to the dissection.
- Traumatic vertebral artery dissection from an injury, such as from a car accident or chiropractic manipulation.
- Dissection associated with a pseudoaneurysm (a contained rupture) that is at risk of expanding or rupturing.
- Failure of conservative management with anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging, including MRI/MRA, CT angiography, or cerebral angiography, to precisely locate and assess the dissection.
- Neurological evaluation to document baseline function and symptoms.
- Pre-operative blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess overall fitness for surgery.
- Discussion and management of current medications, especially blood thinners, which may need to be stopped before the procedure.
- Informed consent process detailing the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the surgical intervention.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure as instructed by the surgical team.
Risks & possible complications
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) during or after the procedure.
- Bleeding or hematoma at the surgical site or within the brain.
- Infection at the incision site or, rarely, meningitis.
- Damage to nearby nerves, which could lead to hoarseness, swallowing difficulties, or shoulder weakness.
- Artery re-narrowing (restenosis) or thrombosis (clot formation) at the repair site.
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye used in imaging or to anesthesia.
- General risks of anesthesia.
- In endovascular procedures, risks include vessel injury, dissection extension, or stent migration.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring in an intensive care unit (ICU) or high-dependency unit for 24-48 hours to watch for neurological changes or complications.
- Management of pain and nausea with appropriate medications.
- Gradual mobilization as tolerated, often starting the day after surgery.
- Continuation of blood-thinning medications (antiplatelets or anticoagulants) as prescribed to prevent clot formation.
- Follow-up imaging, such as an MRA or CTA, to confirm the success of the repair and patency of the artery.
- Restrictions on strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and certain neck movements for several weeks.
- Outpatient rehabilitation, including physical or occupational therapy, may be recommended to address any residual neurological deficits.
- Regular follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon and neurologist for long-term management.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering vertebral artery dissection in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for vertebral artery dissection in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform vertebral artery dissection. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for vertebral artery dissection compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Vertebral Artery Dissection in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing vertebral artery dissection.
Bangalore, India
105 Doctors
Krishna Roy, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Krishna Roy, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two young children, was an avid runner. His life changed when he developed a sudden, excruciating 'thunderclap' headache at the base of his skull while stretching after a morning jog. Over the next 48 hours, he experienced vertigo, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. Terrified, his wife rushed him to the ER. An MRI/MRA revealed a vertebral artery dissection in his neck, likely caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and the repetitive neck rotation from running. The dissecting artery was causing small strokes (posterior circulation TIAs) and was at high risk for a major stroke. His neurosurgeon recommended an urgent endovascular procedure, a vertebral artery stent, to open the dissected vessel and secure it, preventing further clot formation. Krishna was terrified of the risk of stroke but even more afraid of leaving his children without a father. The minimally invasive procedure went smoothly. Post-procedure, he spent a night in the ICU for monitoring and was on antiplatelet medication for a year. Recovery involved several weeks of fatigue and headache management, followed by cardiac rehab to safely return to activity. Emotionally, he journeyed from sheer panic and vulnerability, feeling his body had betrayed him, to profound gratitude and caution. He returned to running but with modified routines and a deep appreciation for his health, viewing the event as a 'circuit breaker' that forced him to prioritize balance and family.
Spine surgeons for Vertebral Artery Dissection
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform vertebral artery dissection and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon