Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Inflammation Of Carotid Artery?
Question: Is there any diagnosis of inflammation of the carotid artery sheath that can cause pain starting in the ear, travelling down the neck and into the chest? YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
carotidynia, requires ultrasound neck/ MRI
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having carotid sheath inflammation.
As such, carotid sheath inflammation is an emergency, involves all the surrounding neck and chest structures causing complications like airway obstruction and sepsis due to accumulated pus.
Carotid sheath is a fibrous tissue which divides into superficial and deep layers, covers all the vessels (carotid vessels, jugular vein), nerves (cranial nerves) of neck and runs down into chest covering the chest organs (lungs, heart).
In my opinion, it could be carotidynia (tenderness of carotid artery) secondary to migraine or arteritis (inflammation). These conditions, can be differentiated with history and ultrasound neck or MRI.
Kindly evaluate with these investigations for the exact cause. Treatment can be started as per the findings.
If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
carotidynia, requires ultrasound neck/ MRI
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I had gone through your question and understand your concerns that you are having carotid sheath inflammation.
As such, carotid sheath inflammation is an emergency, involves all the surrounding neck and chest structures causing complications like airway obstruction and sepsis due to accumulated pus.
Carotid sheath is a fibrous tissue which divides into superficial and deep layers, covers all the vessels (carotid vessels, jugular vein), nerves (cranial nerves) of neck and runs down into chest covering the chest organs (lungs, heart).
In my opinion, it could be carotidynia (tenderness of carotid artery) secondary to migraine or arteritis (inflammation). These conditions, can be differentiated with history and ultrasound neck or MRI.
Kindly evaluate with these investigations for the exact cause. Treatment can be started as per the findings.
If you have additional questions or follow up questions then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your questions.
Wishing you good health.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
