Near-infrared spectroscopy in the diagnosis and management of acute internal carotid artery occlusion

Acute internal carotid artery occlusion is a neurological emergency that can result in cerebral infarction. Superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery bypass is one option to treat a subset of such patients. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an emerging non-invasive technique that holds promise to facilitate the management of carotid occlusion patients by monitoring the oxygen saturation of specific brain areas at risk for hypoperfusion and infarction. This case report describes a man in his 50s who presented with left-sided weakness due to acute right internal carotid artery occlusion. The patient was successfully managed both medically and surgically while incorporating data from NIRS for decision-making.