Carotid Artery Aneurysms

A carotid artery aneurysm is a serious condition that can turn into a life-threatening emergency if it bursts.

There are two carotid arteries within the neck—one on the left and one on the right—that are responsible for supplying blood to the brain, the face and the neck. A carotid artery aneurysm forms when the walls of a carotid artery weaken and balloon outward, creating a bulge. As this happens, the walls become progressively thinner and more likely to burst.

Carotid artery aneurysms are a type of peripheral aneurysm, or one that affects an artery other than the aorta. When an aneurysm develops in the part of the carotid artery that’s within the brain, it’s referred to as an intracranial aneurysm; when it develops in the part that’s in the neck, it’s known as an extracranial aneurysm.

Causes of Carotid Artery Aneurysms

There are numerous factors that can increase someone’s risk of developing a carotid artery aneurysm. These including having:

Symptoms of Carotid Artery Aneurysms

Many people with carotid artery aneurysms don’t experience any noticeable symptoms. However, if a carotid artery aneurysm exerts pressure on the adjacent tissues, it can cause a number of symptoms, including:

  • Swelling within the face
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness

If a blood clot breaks away from a carotid artery aneurysm, it can lead to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is often referred to as a mini stroke, or to a full-blown stroke. And if a carotid artery aneurysm ruptures, it can be a life-threatening emergency, so if you think you might have this condition, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Carotid Artery Aneurysms

If a physical examination suggests the presence of a carotid artery aneurysm, a physician may order one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

Treatment for Carotid Artery Aneurysms

The goal of treatment for a carotid artery aneurysm is generally to relieve the patient’s symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the aneurysm. For example, if a carotid artery aneurysm is small and not causing any noticeable symptoms, a physician may recommend monitoring it for any signs of change using periodic computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or ultrasounds.

If a carotid artery aneurysm requires additional treatment, the experts at Tampa General Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute may recommend: