Damages to the carotid arteries caused either by blunt force or penetrating trauma, such as craniocerebral trauma; thoracic injuries; and neck injuries. damaged carotid arteries can lead to carotid artery thrombosis; carotid-cavernous sinus fistula; pseudoaneurysm formation; and internal carotid artery dissection. (from am j forensic med pathol 1997, 18:251; j trauma 1994, 37:473)