Neck Aneurysm Symptoms

An aneurysm occurs when a weak area of a blood vessel’s wall bulges or balloons. As the aneurysm expands, the arterial wall thins. When the wall becomes too thin, the aneurysm bursts. Most aneurysms affect the aorta, which carries blood from your heart to be distributed to the rest of your body. According to Omni Medical Search, about 200,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with aneurysms 3. Aneurysms that affect an artery other than the aorta are called “peripheral aneurysms.” These include popliteal aneurysms, which affect the artery that runs down the back of your thigh and knee; femoral aneurysms, which affect the artery in your groin; and carotid aneurysms, which affect the carotid artery in your neck. An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm occurs in the part of the carotid artery in your neck, so it is commonly referred to as a neck aneurysm.

Causes

Peripheral aneurysms are generally subject to the same causes as any other aneurysm, but it is difficult to know with certainty the cause of most peripheral aneurysms. These aneurysms are most often attributed to atherosclerosis, a disease which usually affects older people. With atherosclerosis, also called “hardening of the arteries,” the artery becomes narrowed due to a buildup of plaque on the inside surface of the artery. Arterial walls become weak and damaged. As they narrow, blood flow is obstructed. This means that the blood pressure here rises, which may lead to the stretching or bulging of the damaged portion of the artery. High blood pressure in general may result in aneurysms, as may a deep wound or an infection of the artery.

Risk Factors

Peripheral aneurysms usually affect people in their sixties or seventies, which is likely related to the fact that atherosclerosis generally presents itself after age 50. Smoking is a major risk factor as, according to the Internet Encyclopedia of Science, a smoker is eight times more likely to have a peripheral aneurysm 2. Obesity, family history of arterial disease and consistently severe hypertension also place patients at higher risk for peripheral aneurysm. If these factors apply to you, it is important to pay particularly close attention to any possible symptoms you experience.

Primary Symptoms

As peripheral aneurysms are uncommon, they are sometimes difficult to diagnose. Additionally, you may not notice the symptoms of a peripheral aneurysm, particularly if it is small. According to Vascular Web, “two of three patients with a peripheral aneurysm may not notice any symptoms.” Warning signs of a neck aneurysm may include a pulsating lump in your neck that you can feel, transient ischemic attacks (often called “mini-strokes,” as they produce stroke-like symptoms but don’t have the lasting effects of a stroke), or a full-blown stroke 1. Carotid artery aneurysms may cause clots to form and block blood flow to your brain.

Secondary Symptoms

Because the aneurysm puts pressure on the surrounding veins and nerves, secondary symptoms may present themselves. Depending on what structure is being affected, symptoms such as facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness may occur.

Diagnosis

Detection of neck aneurysms generally happens by chance or after symptoms present themselves. If you notice any symptoms, your doctor will usually begin by evaluating your general health and medical history, and conducting a physical examination. If a neck aneurysm is suspected, you’ll likely undergo an imaging test, like ultrasound, CT, or MRI. If an imaging test confirms the presence of an aneurysm, your doctor will likely test your heart before planning surgical treatment. This is because peripheral aneurysms and heart disease often go hand in hand.