A hemorrhage into the wall of the carotid artery, separating the intima from the media and leading to aneurysm formation. This process may occlude the carotid artery and result in thromboembolic complications, including CEREBRAL INFARCTION. Dissections may occur spontaneously or follow $CRANIOCEREBRAL TRAUMA$; NECK INJURIES; and rarely severe bouts of coughing. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p830).
