Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
14:58

Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations

Published on: October 20, 2017

Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury: A Visual Case Report with Computed Tomography Angiography Findings Revealing Carotid

Edmund Hsu1, Andrew T Kinoshita2, Eleanor Chu3

  • 1University of California, Irvine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Orange, CA.

Journal of Education & Teaching in Emergency Medicine
|August 6, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) is a serious condition affecting neck arteries after trauma. Early diagnosis with CT angiography and antithrombotic therapy are crucial for preventing stroke and improving outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) involves trauma to carotid or vertebral arteries, posing risks of stroke and poor neurological outcomes.
  • BCVI is often underrecognized, particularly in patients who are asymptomatic, highlighting the need for effective screening protocols in the emergency department (ED).
  • High-energy trauma is a common cause of BCVI, making it a critical consideration in trauma evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a case of a young female patient with blunt cerebrovascular injury following a motor vehicle collision.
  • To illustrate the diagnostic process and management of carotid and vertebral artery dissections.
  • To emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate antithrombotic therapy in preventing neurological complications.

Main Methods:

  • A case report detailing a 27-year-old female patient with headache post-motor vehicle collision.
  • Diagnosis involved computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the neck and a cerebral angiogram.
  • Treatment included acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at varying doses, with clinical and imaging follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Initial CTA revealed a right internal carotid artery dissection; the patient was discharged on low-dose ASA.
  • Follow-up CTA showed worsening carotid dissection and a new vertebral artery dissection.
  • The patient was treated with higher-dose ASA and remained neurologically asymptomatic during 27 months of follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Blunt cerebrovascular injury, including carotid and vertebral artery dissection, requires vigilant diagnosis and management.
  • Computed tomography angiography is the preferred imaging modality for screening and diagnosis of BCVI.
  • Antithrombotic therapy plays a key role in managing BCVI and preventing ischemic stroke.

Related Concept Videos

Arteries of the Head and Neck01:26

Arteries of the Head and Neck

The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...