Interventional neuroradiology adjuncts and alternatives in patients with head and neck vascular lesions

Vascular lesions of the head and neck can result from a variety of neoplastic and traumatic conditions that may cause local neurologic symptoms or may compromise the carotid or vertebral arteries, leading to ischemic deficits. Management of lesions involving vascular structures at the skull base may require a temporary balloon occlusion tolerance test or endovascular transarterial embolization as part of the preoperative management. Endovascular techniques can also be used as a salvage measure for severe head and neck bleeding and can assist with the management of vascular injury occurring in the operative or perioperative setting. Familiarity with the role of endovascular techniques in this group of patients may favorably influence patient management and outcome.