Carotid artery dissection presenting with isolated headache and Horner syndrome after minor head injury.
A woman aged 31 years presented to the emergency department after a minor head injury. She reported mild headache and a metallic taste in her mouth. Full neurologic examination was remarkable only for left-sided Horner syndrome. Left internal carotid artery dissection was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. She was treated with aspirin. Symptoms and signs persisted 3 months later, but there was no additional neurologic deficit. We stress the importance of early detection of Horner syndrome to minimize the risk of disabling stroke.
Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom. samcreavin@nhs.net
Samuel Thomas
ST
Creavin
Claire M
CM
Rice
Adrian
A
Pollentine
Philip
P
Cowburn
D000328:Adult; D020215:Carotid Artery, Internal, Dissection / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D016489:Head Injuries, Closed / Q000150:complications*; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology*; D006732:Horner Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries