Claudication on mastication following bilateral external carotid artery ligation for posterior epistaxis

This case highlights a potentially disabling complication of intermittent claudication in the region of the masseter muscles on mastication, following bilateral external carotid artery ligation for epistaxis. Although there have been few reports of this complication this may be a reflection of the fact that the operation is rarely performed, and not because the complication is rare. Its potentially disabling nature, and its possible common occurrence after this procedure make awareness of it by surgeons who may carry out this procedure important.