Epistaxis

Question 1

Blood supply to the nose

Answer 1

‘Ant’ –> ICA –> anterior & posterior ethmoid arteries (kesselbach’s/little’s) –> 90% of epistaxis
Posterior –>ECA–> sphenopalantine, greater palantine, superior labial 10%, more likely to need medical attention

Question 2

Causes of Epistaxis

Answer 2

Most - fingers
allergic
ICA aneurysmsm cavernous sinus
iatrogenic --> rhinoplasty
cocaine
neoplasm (Rare)

Question 3

Treatments of epistaxis

Answer 3

in almost all cases self-resolve
pressure may help
If severe (often in posterior bleeds) may need nasal packing (but not if unconscious or query skull fractures)