Pseudoaneurysm of the occipital artery: an unusual cause of persisting headache after minor head injury.
Post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the extracranial arteries in the scalp are uncommon sequelae of head injury. We report on a patient who presented four weeks after a minor head injury with a tender, pulsating and enlarging mass in the course of the left occipital artery. There was associated headache radiating to the vertex. Computed tomographic angiography confirmed the lesion to be a pseudoaneurysm of the occipital artery. The lump was resected with complete resolution of symptoms.
Aquilina
K
K
Department of Neurosurgery, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork. kristianaquilina@hotmail.com
Carty
F
F
Keohane
C
C
Kaar
G K
GK
D000293:Adolescent; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D002536:Cerebral Arteries; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications*; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009778:Occipital Lobe / Q000098:blood supply*