Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a general term including both carotid and vertebral artery dissections. A dissection occurs when there is a tear in the intimal layer of a carotid or vertebral artery that leads to the development of an intramural hematoma. The hematoma can cause stenosis, occlusion, or aneurysmal dilation. Early detection is critical as the risk of recurrent stroke is highest during the first month following an inciting event. Management includes medical therapy, focused on antiplatelet medications, and in some cases surgical or endovascular intervention.