A Case of Traumatic Cerebral Infarction due to Injury of the Petrosal Internal Carotid Artery Resulting from Head Trauma

Deteriorated mental status and new neurological deficits after head trauma signify the formation of intracranial hematoma or brain edema. In a case of head trauma accompanied by basal skull fracture, even if without intracranial hematoma formation or edema, we should be alert to the possibility of injury of the petrosal carotid artery which needs prompt diagnostic evaluation and management. We report a case of traumatic cerebral infarction due to injury of the petrosal internal carotid artery and review the literatures.