Internal carotid artery aneurysm presenting as sinus pain

Sinusitis and its associated facial pain are frequently seen by ENT surgeons. However, it is important to have a high index of suspicion in cases with atypical symptoms, particularly those with unexplained, unilateral, severe facial pain, and to consider an internal carotid artery dissection. This important diagnosis accounts for almost 20 per cent of all strokes in the young, and anti-coagulation can help to prevent thrombosis and embolism. Two cases are presented for illustration.