Endovascular therapy of traumatic injuries of the extracranial cerebral arteries

Traumatic injuries of the extracranial portions of the cerebral arteries (carotid and vertebrals) are probably underdiagnosed. Although the majority of patients with these vascular injuries fare well with conservative treatment, particularly anticoagulation, many of them have recurrent or progressive neurologic symptoms that require intervention. Surgical reconstruction has been performed in the past, but more recently, endovascular therapy is gaining popularity. Once a decision is made to undertake this form of treatment, the care of the patient should become focused on the issues pertaining to the injury and the intervention.