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. 2014 May 1;13(2):451-3.
eCollection 2014 May.

An Unusual Case of Traumatic Internal Carotid Artery Dissection during Snowboarding

George Kalantzis  1 , Ilias Georgalas  2 , Bernard Y P Chang  3 , Chin Ong  3 , Nabil El-Hindy  4
Affiliations

An Unusual Case of Traumatic Internal Carotid Artery Dissection during Snowboarding

George Kalantzis et al. J Sports Sci Med. .

Abstract

The presentation of Horner's syndrome following blunt trauma is uncommon, but is of important clinical significance. Identification of the constellation of signs of Horner's syndrome should, therefore, prompt urgent neuro-radiologic imaging. Early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment can lead to excellent outcomes in the majority of cases and prevent devastating cerebral ischaemic damage. A progressive case of Horner's syndrome following blunt injury to the neck in an amateur snowboarder is presented. Key pointsBlunt injury to the neck can result in Horner's syndrome.Horner's syndrome should alert clinicians to the possibility of a silent ICAD.MRI and MRA of the head and neck constitute the imaging modality of choice to look for ICAD.The treatment of choice for ICAD is anticoagulation for 3-6 months.

Keywords: Horner’s syndrome; amaurosis fugax; anisocoria; snowboard.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Photograph of patient, demonstrating left-sided Horner’s syndrome (with permission).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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