Vertebral artery dissection after direct laryngoscopy: case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE

We report a case of vertebral artery dissection following direct laryngoscopy, and we provide an update on current knowledge regarding this condition and its relationship to movements of the neck.

METHOD: A case report and review of the world literature are presented.

RESULTS

Vertebral artery dissection is an uncommon event leading to stroke. It has been associated with many risk factors, particularly extreme movement of the cervical spine. The pathogenesis of the condition and the true aetiological significance of neck movement are not known.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, we present the first case of vertebral artery dissection following direct laryngoscopy. We highlight the need for caution when considering neck pain in patients after direct laryngoscopy.