S15: Injury of blood vessels at neck level
S15.0: Injury of carotid artery
An injury of the carotid artery refers to damage caused to the major blood vessels in the neck that supply blood to the brain, neck, and face. This type of injury could be a result of trauma, such as a severe blow to the neck or a penetrating injury like a stab or gunshot wound. The symptoms that may present with a carotid artery injury can include difficulty speaking or understanding speech, sudden severe headaches, loss of balance, dizziness, severe pain in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or change in voice. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications including stroke, which could potentially interfere with important brain functions such as movement, speech, or cognition. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention.
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