How is carotid artery dissection treated?

How is carotid artery dissection treated?

Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment depending on several factors, such as:

• Cause of dissection.
• Other medical conditions you have.
• Whether a stroke has occurred.
• Whether you’re experiencing bleeding.

Treatment may include:

• Anticoagulants, which are medications that break down blood clots or prevent new clots.
• Antiplatelets, which are medications that stop blood cells called platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots.
• A procedure called angioplasty to open the artery, sometimes with stenting to keep it open (used sparingly).
• Surgery to remove the dissection or reroute blood flow around the dissection (also used sparingly and often as a last resort).