Cervical artery dissection and patent foramen ovale (PFO) are relevant causes of ischemic stroke (IS)
in young adults. We report the case of a 35-year-old previously healthy man who presented with severe
vertigo, gait ataxia, and bradycardia, later diagnosed with cerebellar infarction secondary to bilateral
vertebral artery dissection. Further investigation revealed the presence of a PFO. This case underscores
the importance of thorough etiological investigation of IS in young adults, focusing on the identification
of cervical artery dissections and structural cardiac abnormalities as risk factors.
