Neurovascular Trauma
Injury to the blood vessels supplying the brain or spinal cord.
Overview
Neurovascular trauma is injury to the arteries and veins that supply the brain and spinal cord, most often after a road accident, fall, sports injury or penetrating wound. Injuries such as a dissection (a tear in the vessel wall), a traumatic aneurysm or an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein can be easy to miss at first, yet can lead to stroke. Dr. Hina works with the trauma team to identify and treat these injuries early.
Symptoms
- Neck pain or headache after an injury
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Changes in vision, speech or balance
- A whooshing sound in the ear, or a bulging, red eye (with some vessel injuries)
- Confusion or drowsiness
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the vessel involved and the type of injury. Many injuries are managed with blood-thinning medication and close monitoring with scans. Others can be repaired from inside the vessel — with stents or coils, or by closing off the damaged vessel — through a small puncture in the groin or wrist, avoiding open surgery. Open surgery is used where needed, often alongside treatment of other injuries.