Cerebral revascularization in trauma and carotid occlusion

Cerebrovascular disruption frequently results from head and neck trauma. Injury to the extra- and intracranial carotid artery is uncommon but is associated with a high rate of death and permanent neurologic deficit. In this article, injuries to the carotid artery are reviewed with emphasis on the mechanisms, clinical manifestations, radiologic evaluation, and management of these traumatic lesions.