An Internal Carotid Artery Dissection Masquerading as Optic Neuritis: A Case Report

Abstract

Carotid artery dissection is an important cause of stroke, especially in the young. We present a 43-year-old lady, with a known background of headaches, who was referred to the Emergency Department with a headache, dilated pupil, and acute monocular blurring of vision. She was later found to have an internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) with diffuse ipsilateral hemispheric involvement after being initially managed for atypical optic neuritis. This case report aims to provide further insight into an atypical presentation of a carotid artery dissection, with the intent of assisting the clinician in identifying such cases during the initial presentation.