Podcast #191: Blunt Cervical Trauma

Author: Chris Holmes M.D.

Educational Pearls:

• Mechanism of injury involves hyperextension/hyperflexion
• Pathophysiology: inside of the arteries in the neck becomes disrupted, similar to a dissection. This is thrombogenic and leads to cerebral infarction
• Neurologic deficit is common.
• Other risk factors include facial fracture and cervical-spine fracture.
• Treat with anticoagulation - aspirin or other antiplatelet agents are appropriate.
• Increase clinical suspicion when patient presents with neurological deficit and has a negative CT.

References: https://www.east.org/education/practice-management-guidelines/blunt-cerebrovascular-injury