Aneurysm of the internal carotid artery at the base of the skull: an unusual cause of cranial neuropathies.

Aneurysms of the cervical portion of the internal carotid artery are relatively rare and can present difficult diagnostic problems. Signs and symptoms of cerebral ischemia are common, but isolated cranial neuropathies are unusual. A patient with hypoglossal and glossopharyngeal cranial nerve palsies secondary to an extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysm is the subject of this case report and discussion.