Improving the recognition of cervical arterial dissection in clinical practice: investigation of a five criteria diagnostic support tool.

Background: Cervical arterial dissection (CeAD) is a serious condition that can mimic a musculoskeletal condition. A diagnostic tool using five key criteria could help prompt early medical referral, but these criteria may occur in healthy people or benign neck pain/headache.

Objective: To determine the frequency of CeAD criteria in healthy individuals and those with neck pain/headache, and identify refinements needed to improve specificity.