Endovascular rescue of vertebro-basilar thrombosis in cervical spine injury.

Introduction: Vertebro-basilar thrombosis is often lethal. We report a post-traumatic case in which logistical issues were overcome to secure prompt endovascular intervention resulting in a favourable outcome.

Case presentation: We report this case to highlight (i) the need, across the United Kingdom, for rapid access to 24/7 neurointerventional services and (ii) the fact that vertebral artery injury during C-spine trauma, while not uncommon, can rarely have catastrophic complications.

Discussion: Vertebral artery injuries during C-spine trauma can rarely present as a neurovascular emergency requiring neurointerventional rescue. It is our opinion that patients with neurovascular emergencies merit 24/7 neurointerventional services, akin to those provided for acute coronary syndromes.