When a crash injures an artery in your neck
Stroke prevention and follow up, from a vascular neurologist
A violent jerk of the neck or a direct blow can injure an artery that feeds the brain. The carotid and vertebral arteries can tear along their inner lining. Doctors call this a blunt cerebrovascular injury. You may feel fine at first. Later, though, a clot can block blood flow to the brain. For that reason, the treatment and the repeat scan still matter when your neck pain is easing. [1]
Know which artery was hurt
Ask which artery and which side were involved. Find out what the scan showed, including any narrowing, tear or bulge. Ask whether a neurologist, trauma surgeon or vascular surgeon is in charge of your follow up. Keep your scan report and discharge summary. If new symptoms appear, any other emergency team will need to know about this injury. [1]
Take your medicine exactly as prescribed
To lower the risk of stroke, your team may prescribe an antiplatelet drug or an anticoagulant. The choice depends on the artery injury. It also depends on any bleeding or other injuries from the crash. Ask for the medicine’s name and dose, plus its end date or review date. Find out what to do if you miss a dose.
Don’t stop taking it because you feel better. Tell the prescriber about any unusual bleeding. Confirm when your next artery scan is and who will explain the result. [1]
Sudden brain symptoms are an emergency
Call emergency services for sudden face drooping, arm weakness or trouble speaking. Do the same for sudden vision loss, severe new dizziness or trouble walking. Note the time the symptom started. Get help even if it fades. Do not drive yourself. This advice holds even if a symptom shows up while you’re taking your prescribed medicine. [2]
Questions about the artery and your medicine
- Which artery was hurt, and what did the scan show?
- Which medicine should I take, and for how long?
- When is my repeat scan, and who will review it?
Keep your artery details ready for any urgent visit
Gather your artery diagnosis, your medicine list and your scan appointment in one place. Make it something you can show at any urgent visit. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 1Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma guidance on blunt cerebrovascular injury
- 2NHS stroke symptoms
This overview offers general education from a vascular neurology viewpoint. Any sudden nerve or brain symptom counts as an emergency. Stick to your own medicine and scan plan.
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