Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Carotidynia
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Carotidynia is a syndrome characterized by unilateral (one-sided) soreness of the carotid artery, near the bifurcation.
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
It was first described in 1927 by Temple Fay[1]. The most common cause of carotidynia may be migraine, and then it is usually self-correcting.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Recent histological evidence has implicated an inflammatory component of carotidynia, but studies are limited. [2] Carotid arteritis is a much less common cause of carotidynia, but has much more serious consequences. It is a form of giant cell arteritis, which is a condition that usually affects arteries in the head. Due to this serious condition possibly causing carotidynia, and the possibility that neck pain is related to some other non-carotidynia and serious condition, the case should be investigated by a medical doctor.[3]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
MRI
MRI and ultrasound studies may be useful in determining the underlying cause of carotidynia.[4]
Treatment
Treatment
Common migraine treatments may help alleviate the carotidynia symptoms.
References
References
- ↑ Hill and Hastings list this reference as: Fay, Temple (1927) “Atypical neuralgia.” Arch Neurol Psychiatry.
- ↑ Template:Cite doi
- ↑ Hill LM, Hastings G. (1994). “Carotidynia: a pain syndrome”. J Fam Pract. 39 (1): 71–5. PMID 8027735.
- ↑ Template:Cite doi
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]