Neck Trauma (Injury)

Description

The neck contains many important and vulnerable organs. Trauma can be blunt from a motor vehicle accident or fall, or be penetrating from a gunshot wound or stabbing. The following injuries can occur: tracheal (causing airway obstruction); esophageal (leading to mediastinitis); carotid artery or vena cava (causing exsanguinations or stroke); cervical spine (sometimes resulting in fracture or paralysis).

Symptoms

Depends on the organs damaged. Tracheal injuries: problems breathing, air in the soft tissue of the neck, airway blockage. Esophageal injuries: difficulty swallowing, chest pain, air in the soft tissues of the neck. Carotid or vena cava injuries: expanding mass in neck, profuse bleeding from neck, weakness, coma, slurred speech. Cervical spine injuries: weakness, inability to breathe, neck pain, numbness, ringing in ears (tinnitus).

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests may be done dependent on the mechanism and extent of suspected injury.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the organs injured. Immediate surgery may be needed. Intubation to establish an airway will be performed if airway damage is suspected.

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