Study: Neck Artery Aneurysm Doesn't Raise Stroke Risk in First 6 Months

A groundbreaking study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2026 offers crucial reassurance for patients and clinicians regarding cervical artery dissection (CeAD) and dissecting aneurysms. The research, based on data from the global STOP-CAD registry involving over 4,000 adults, reveals that individuals who develop a dissecting aneurysm—a bulge in the artery wall following a tear—do not face a higher risk of stroke within the first six months after diagnosis compared to those with CeAD alone. This finding challenges previous concerns and provides much-needed clarity on managing this condition, which accounts for up to 25% of strokes in adults under 50. The study, led by researchers from the Mayo Clinic, also identified key risk factors for dissecting aneurysm formation, including a history of migraines, connective tissue disorders, and minor neck trauma, which can aid in early monitoring.

The analysis found that approximately 19% of CeAD patients developed a dissecting aneurysm, yet this complication was not life-threatening in the short term. Importantly, even among the 10% of patients whose aneurysms showed growth over six months, there was no increased stroke risk. According to study co-author Zafer Keser, M.D., these results should help healthcare professionals better monitor and manage patients during the critical post-diagnosis period. The research leverages a comprehensive dataset to address gaps in scientific understanding, offering practical insights that could reduce unnecessary interventions, such as frequent imaging or carotid stent placement, which often require chronic antiplatelet therapy.

While the study's retrospective design and reliance on non-standardized image reviews are limitations, its implications are significant for stroke prevention strategies. Experts like Louise D. McCullough, M.D., Ph.D., note that these findings add to evidence of low recurrent stroke risk in CeAD cases, potentially easing patient anxiety and guiding more efficient clinical practices. The study underscores the importance of the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference as a premier global event for advancing brain health science, with further details available in the abstract and through resources like the Stroke Hub. For more information on ischemic strokes and related health topics, visit the provided links.