Vertebral Artery Dissection (VAD) is a flap-like tear of the inner lining of the vertebral artery, which is located in the neck and supplies blood to the brain. After the tear, blood enters the arterial wall and forms a blood clot, impeding blood flow and/or causing stroke, aneurysm and many symptoms consistent with loss of oxygen to the brain.
VAD most commonly occurs in young, healthy and active adults. It can be caused by neck manipulation(such as chiropractor), blunt cervical trauma or can be spontaneous.
VAD has an estimated incidence of approximately 1 per 100,000.
The VAD-Ass Missions:
- Raise awareness of Vertebral Artery Dissection and, in doing so, give survivors like me a place to feel hopeful in their healing journey and for the future.
- Raise money for VAD, stroke and heart disease survivors through the amazing organization, Tedy’s Team. My goal is to raise $5000 in 2022!