Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery associated with facial nerve palsy

Aneurysms of the superficial temporal artery as a result of trauma occur rarely. These pseudoaneurysms tend to present 2 to 6 weeks following initial injury with a painless swelling which may be associated with a headache, ear discomfort or other vague symptoms. Neurological complications are very rare. A thorough history and physical examination are essential. Investigations such as duplex scanning, angiography or CT scanning may be helpful in difficult cases. The most common treatment is surgical. Embolization may prove to be an alternative to surgery in some cases. We review a rare case of superficial temporal artery aneurysm associated with a facial nerve palsy which was treated surgically. A thorough review of the literature is presented.