Neurologic Manifestations of Acute Aortic Dissection
A myriad of neurologic presentations of acute aortic dissection have been reported in the literature. Although classic CVA symptoms may occur, nonspecific neurologic symptoms are much more common
These include:
Classic stroke-like/TIA symptoms
Encephalopathy (may look like a drug overdose)
Seizures (ask Mike Abraham about his abdominal pain/seizure case)
Take Home Point:
Consider the diagnosis of acute aortic dissection in patients with these findings who ALSO HAVE chest, back, or abdominal pain +/- risk factors for the disease (i.e. HTN, family history, Marfans, cocaine, etc.)
