Learn about Vertebral Artery Dissection Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Vertebral Artery Dissection and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Vertebral Artery Dissection

Vertebral artery dissection is a critical condition where a tear forms in the inner lining of one of the vertebral arteries, which supply blood to the brainstem and cerebellum. This tear can lead to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) that narrows or blocks the artery, potentially causing a stroke. Spine surgery for vertebral artery dissection is a highly specialized neurosurgical or vascular procedure aimed at repairing the damaged artery to restore normal blood flow and prevent life-threatening complications. The approach may involve direct surgical repair, endovascular stenting to support the artery wall, or bypass grafting, depending on the location and severity of the dissection. This intervention is crucial for preventing ischemic stroke and managing symptoms like severe headache, neck pain, dizziness, and neurological deficits.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 3,807 – USD 8,701 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 28,184 – USD 64,420 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More

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.

Manipal Hospital Rangapani

  • IconSiliguri, India
  • Icon13 Doctors

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
  • Icon105 Doctors
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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.

Dr. Charanjit Singh Dhillon
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Priyamvadha K
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bharat Sarkar
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vidyadhara S
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohit Muttha
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dhiyanesh Krishnamoorthy
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Thomas J Kishen
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sk Rajan
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukesh Haritwal
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Balamurugan Thirugnanam
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kasinath Swain
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Orthopedist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Abhishek Soni
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anutosh Singh
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Akash Mishra
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Saikat Sarkar
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhadip Mandal
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hamza Shaikh
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rahul Chaudhari
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Spine surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner

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