Occlusion of Vertebral Artery and Cerebral Infarction after Cervical Spine Fracture: A Case Report.
- Author:
Yong Min KIM
;
Choong Hee WON
;
Joong Bae SEOL
;
Eui Seong CHOI
;
Ho Seung LEE
;
Jong Hun JEE
- Publication Type:Original Article
- MeSH:
Aged;
Anticoagulants;
Brain;
Brain Infarction;
Brain Stem;
Cerebral Infarction*;
Humans;
Infarction;
Neurologic Manifestations;
Spine*;
Vertebral Artery*
- From:Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
1998;5(1):129-135
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
STUDY DESIGN: A case of brain infarction due to occlusion of vertebral artery after cervical spine fracture is reported. OBJECTIVES: Documentation of possibility and clinical significances of brain infarction as one of grave complications after cervical spine injury. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Occlusion of vertebral artery and consequent brain infarction can be associated with cervical spine injuries because vertebral arteries course through the transverse foramina from sixth to second corvical vertebrae. Infarction of vertebrobasilar system may cause impairment of cerebral, cerebellar, or brain stem function and can occasionally bring grave functional loss, even death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case of occlusion of vertebral artery and consequent cerebral infarction after cervical spine fracture in a 66 year-old man. Brain CT and angiogram were performed. He was managed with anticoagulants. RESULTS: Neurologic deficits from brain infarction disappeared after 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Attention to the possibility of these complications and awareness of their clinical features seem to be mandatory in managing cervical spine injury patients.
