Vertebral artery trauma.

Injury to the vertebral artery is infrequent and poses special problems in exposure if it occurs above the entrance to the transverse foramen. The patients may present with neurologic symptoms. Pulsatile tinnitus and a bruit in the cervical-paravertebral region are constant findings. Permanent occlusion by a balloon catheter offers an unhurried and facile means of control after otherwise life-threatening lesions are stabilized.