Jugular Vein Obstruction Caused by Turning of the Head

Abstract

In vivo and cadaver studies demonstrated that turning the head to one side results in torsion and compression of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein. This can obstruct venous drainage from the head and cause increased intracranial pressure in patients who have had ligation or resection of the contralateral jugular vein or who have maldevelopment of the contralateral dural sinuses.