A bulge in the wall of an artery in your neck
The carotid arteries are the two main blood vessels on either side of the neck that supply blood to the brain. An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm stretches out the walls of a portion of the artery in the neck like a balloon, causing the walls to become very thin. This differs from an intracranial carotid artery aneurysm, in which the bulge appears in the portion of the artery located inside the brain.
These aneurysms can create blood clots that can break loose and cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. They can also tear, causing life-threatening bleeding.
What are the symptoms of an extracranial carotid artery aneurysm?
A large aneurysm can create pressure on surrounding areas in the neck and can cause symptoms such as:
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Difficulty swallowing
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Hoarseness
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Stroke-like symptoms
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Swelling in the face
Treatments
If the aneurysm is small or not causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend close monitoring to watch for changes. If it’s larger or has clot in it, they may recommend medication or surgery. Lowering blood pressure or cholesterol may be advised to help maintain the health of your arteries. If your aneurysm is very large or at risk of rupturing, your doctor may recommend other advanced treatments.
Carotid artery disease treatments
Carotid artery disease may be slowed or treated through lifestyle changes, medication, endarterectomy, or angioplasty and stenting.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Federico M Asch, MD
Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiac Imaging & Cardiology
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Brian Daniel Baturin, MD
Cardiovascular Disease, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Cardiology & Cardiac Imaging
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Kristin M Brindisi, MSPAS PA
Vascular Surgery
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Stephanie Jean Cardace, MHS PA
Vascular Surgery
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Ashley Nicole Cullen, CRNP
Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiology & Vascular Surgery
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Yelena Game, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Geetha Jeyabalan, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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Preetham N. Kumar, MBBS MD
Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease & Cardiac Imaging
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Michael Alan Matyas, MD
Cardiac Imaging, Diagnostic Radiology & Nuclear Radiology
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Melissa Kanji Meghpara, DO
Vascular Surgery
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Lisa Parker, FNPBC MSN
Pain Medicine & Vascular Surgery
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Amanda Lynn Simonton, MSPA PA
Vascular Surgery
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Jeffrey Bruce Trabb, MD
Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease, Interventional Cardiology & Cardiac Imaging
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Jared Michael Widell, MD
Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease & Cardiac Imaging
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William Jhonghoon Yoon, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Shan-E-Ali Haider, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.