Cervicocephalic arterial dissections are an important cause of stroke in young people with potential treatment implications. They are implicated in the aetiology of about 5% of ischaemic strokes in the paediatric age group.1-2 Recognition is often delayed because the clinical symptoms (headache and neck pain) are non-specific and the diagnosis may not be considered until there is evidence of neurological impairment. Furthermore, the diagnosis may be missed unless targeted investigations are carried out. This may adversely affect the clinical course.