Traumatic internal carotid artery aneurysm and massive epistaxis.

A case of traumatic internal carotid artery aneurysm (ICAA) is described. Although rare, the occurrence of rupture of traumatic ICAA with epistaxis has a high mortality. Successful management requires an awareness of the entity, prompt recognition, and aggressive first aid procedures. Definitive treatment involves trapping of the internal carotid artery either by a direct approach, or by balloon embolization.