Extracranial Internal Carotid Arterial Dissection With Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy Caused by Cervical Self-Massage: A Case Report

Internal carotid arterial dissection is a relatively rare condition that can cause neck pain and/or ischemic symptoms. Cranial nerve palsy caused by internal carotid arterial dissection is extremely rare. A 39-year-old male massaged his neck with his fingers. He experienced transient neck pain. After one week, he demonstrated hypoglossal nerve palsy. The radiological studies revealed extracranial internal carotid arterial dissection. Cervical self-massage may cause internal carotid arterial dissection and hypoglossal nerve palsy. For the patient with hypoglossal nerve palsy, the extracranial internal carotid artery should be investigated.