Carotidynia
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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
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