Inflammation of Carotid artery and neck pain

[SBBugg]

About six months ago my left neck began to hurt and I noticed what I thought was a lump there. I went to a head and neck specialist and he said that I had inflammtion of my Carotid artery(Carotidynia).  The lump, I guess, was just the bifurcation of my artery that was swollen. The doctor told me to take an anti-inflammatory(ibuprophen) for 2 weeks. The pain finally diminished, but about a month later it started in my right neck. The pain now runs all the way down my neck and into my shoulder and right chest a bit.  It especially hurts if I apply pressure to my pulse(Carotid artery).  It feels like inflammed nerves or something. So, I went back to another doctor and he gave the same diagnosis. He said unfortunatley the cause is unknown. Now I am on a stronger anti-inflammatory. I just want to know the cause so it won't come back. I also got blood work and a head and neck xray completed, but am still waiting for results. Has anyone ever had this?  Any similar symptoms?  Should I be more concerned? Thanks

[Aries45]

When I read about your problem, I responded b/c of the similarity to my symptoms. I, also, have pain in my Lt Carotid artery right below my ear. It is sore to touch, but interestly, the pain has been relieved by sleeping in a tobagan hat. I guess the warmth of the hat helps me. I thought maybe I had a sinus infection, but, after hearing some of the other testimonies, I don't think so. My systolic BP (top #) has been extremely high & I am a small person. Also, I have a dry cough at times & I've been hoarse over 6 mths. I have Juvenile Diabetes, take insulin, however, & have acid reflux. I take a BP & acid reflux med, daily, already. I am a Nurse, therefore, I blew it off b/c of my medical knowledge, I thought  that I may have become a bit of a hypochondriac? I am dizzy when I climb the stairs at home or in the movie theater, my feet are very cold at night in bed & it's been difficult to swallow certain foods: breads, broccoli (raw), etc. I am concerned that my carotid artery may be occluded since I, also, have a elevated BP along with the pain in my LEFT side of my neck, the same side as my heart. Hearing some of the other stories, however, now wonder if could be cysts on my thyroid? I have already had an UGI of my throat & OK.  I am going to seek an opinion of an Endocrinologist. I feel that you should do the sam if your BP is high, also.  I hope you find the relief you deserve.

[cs197]

get checked for eagles syndrome. I have all the same symptoms and was lucky enough to have an amazing ENT who knew about the condition.  Before him I ran around for 2 years trying to find answers.  Good luck all.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3095808/

[maricchia]

Sorry...but doctors are just there to get money ....thats all....ah...and prescribe medicine...cause its easy to do....hardley they give exams...you have got to beg for them...they look at you if you are stupid...they feel on top all the time....i have not found one doctor yet in Britain taken me serious...waist of time...

[stampstl]

I was just diagnosed with it as well. My pain was in my jaw, my ear and the whole left side of my head. I also have pain in my neck and my shoulder on the same side. No one really listens and you never hear from them again if your blood tests come back within range. I finally went to an ENT, he was thorough and found it at last...he put me on prednisone and it helped immediately. I just started it yesterday, so I hope when I get off of it that it doesn't come back. I know it sounds silly, but the one thing that makes my head hurt worse is my cell phone. I can not talk on it for more than 5 minutes without my head aching for days. Getting a land line!!! Anyway, I wish the doctors would treat the cause of the problem instead of the result. My ENT said that it could be caused by a virus???

[Citykitty1978]

Having the same pain, thought it was a swollen lymphnod or gland, but NET Dr. said it was a swollen artery. Will try anti-inflammatory, and left you know. Never heard of this before.

[silverthunder]

And I forgot to mention in my post above that I was in great physical shape when this occurred and was female and 37 years old.