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StatPearls, LLC

  • Anticoagulants
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Ischemic Stroke
  • Stroke
  • Vertebral Artery Dissection

Vertebral Artery Dissection

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that results from a tear in the arterial wall, allowing blood to enter and separate the vessel layers. This process can lead to stenosis, thromboembolism, or, in severe cases, rupture. VAD commonly presents with acute, severe neck pain and headache, often following minor trauma, and can progress to ischemic stroke, particularly in the posterior circulation. Diagnosis relies on advanced imaging modalities, including computed tomography angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, and conventional angiography, with magnetic resonance imaging playing a crucial role in detecting associated strokes. Management primarily involves anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy to prevent thromboembolic complications, while endovascular or surgical interventions are considered in cases of persistent ischemia, aneurysm formation, or hemodynamic instability. This course provides healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and skills for the early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and optimal management of VAD. Participants learn to differentiate VAD from other stroke etiologies, implement evidence-based treatment strategies, and apply appropriate imaging techniques to confirm the diagnosis. Emphasis is placed on timely intervention to reduce the risk of stroke and improve neurological outcomes. Additionally, the course highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, including coordination between neurologists, radiologists, emergency medicine providers, and vascular specialists, to ensure comprehensive patient care. By enhancing clinical competence in stroke prevention, anticoagulation management, and patient education, the course aims to bridge existing practice gaps, reduce morbidity and mortality, and improve long-term recovery for patients with VAD.

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABOS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABPMR — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABPMR — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 13 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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