Horner Syndrome Due to Carotid Dissection

Background: Internal carotid artery dissection typically presents with a clear history of blunt cranial-cervical trauma. Presenting symptoms include headache, focal cerebral ischemic symptoms, and oculosympathetic paresis (Horner syndrome). It is usually thought that internal carotid dissection is a serious but infrequent cause of Horner syndrome. Objective: A review of the literature reveals that carotid dissection is under-recognized as a cause of Horner syndrome, and outcome is thought to be compromised by diagnostic delay. Case Report: This case report describes a patient who presented to the Emergency Department with a traumatic Horner syndrome caused by internal carotid dissection. Summary: The etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options of carotid dissection are discussed.