Vertebral Artery Occlusion Associated with Closed Head Injury: Report of three cases

Abstract

Vertebral artery occlusion associated with closed head injury is an uncommon clinical entity. Three cases are presented with discussion of the mechanisms of injury, pathology, diagnosis, possible treatment modalities and autopsy findings in the two fatalities. Angiography is essential for diagnosis and in fatal cases post-mortem examination of the entire length of the vertebral arteries should be routine.

Key Words:

• Vertebral artery
• closed head injury
• angiography
• dissecting aneurysm
• thrombosis