The High Morbidity of Blunt Cerebrovascular Injury in An Unscreened Population: More Evidence of The Need for Mandatory Screening Protocols

Abstract

Blunt cerebrovascular injury is uncommon, but lethal; particularly when the diagnosis is delayed. Aggressive screening protocols based on mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and physical findings are justified to minimize morbidity and mortality. Head and chest injuries may serve as markers for blunt cerebrovascular injury. Most deaths are directly attributable to the blunt cerebrovascular injury and not to associated injuries.