What Is an Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysm? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Updated: 2 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is an extracranial carotid artery aneurysm?
An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is a bulge in a carotid artery in the neck, outside the skull, where a weakened artery wall balloons outward. As it grows, the wall thins and the risk of bursting rises [1]. It usually affects people in their 50s or 60s and is rare, with fewer than 1 in 100 aneurysms being carotid aneurysms [1].
What the research says
Open surgery and stenting carry similarly low early risks, but nerve injury differs. A pooled analysis of 7 studies (374 patients) found similar 30-day death rates (4% after open repair vs 0% after endovascular repair) and stroke or TIA rates (5.5% vs 1.2%). Cranial nerve injury was more common after open repair (14.5% vs 0%) (Galyfos et al., Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2021) [2].
Many people have symptoms by the time the aneurysm is found. Across 28 studies covering 906 patients, a neck mass was the most common presenting symptom (45%), followed by neurological deficits (26%), while 23% of patients had no symptoms (Hoffman et al., Annals of Vascular Surgery, 2022) [3].
Stent grafting works well in selected patients. In a systematic review of 162 patients treated with endovascular stenting, imaging right after the procedure showed complete aneurysm exclusion in 86.4%; perioperative stroke occurred in 3.1% and death in 4.3% (Giannopoulos et al., Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 2020) [4].
Key Takeaways
A carotid artery aneurysm is a bulge in one of the carotid arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain, head, face, and neck — usually in an internal carotid artery [1].
It forms when part of the artery wall weakens; the bigger it grows, the thinner the wall becomes and the greater the burst risk [1] — like a balloon filling with air.
These aneurysms are rare — fewer than 1 in 100 aneurysms — and usually affect people in their 50s or 60s [1].
Some people have no symptoms; others notice a throbbing lump in the neck, hoarseness, neck pain, facial swelling, headaches, or trouble swallowing [1].
The most serious symptoms are those of a TIA (mini stroke) or stroke — call 911 immediately [1].
Treatment options include surveillance with imaging every six to 12 months, open surgery (bypass grafting), and endovascular stent grafting [1].
What Is an Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysm?
A carotid artery aneurysm is a bulge in one of your carotid arteries. These arteries supply blood to your brain, head, face, and neck. You have a common carotid artery on each side of your upper chest. As it travels up your neck, each common carotid artery divides into two branches: your internal carotid artery and external carotid artery [1]. Aneurysms may affect any of your carotid arteries, but they usually develop in one of your internal carotid arteries [1].
An aneurysm happens when part of an artery wall weakens. As the aneurysm grows bigger, your artery wall grows thinner. There's an increased risk that the aneurysm will burst [1]. You can compare this to a balloon filling up with air: as the balloon gets bigger, its walls get thinner and may pop. So the larger an aneurysm grows, the more dangerous it can be.
How Serious Is a Carotid Artery Aneurysm?
Carotid artery aneurysms affect blood vessels that send blood to your brain. These aneurysms may be small and cause no complications. But blood clots can sometimes form in the aneurysm and block blood flow to your brain. This can lead to a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini stroke, or an ischemic stroke [1]. Large aneurysms may rupture (burst), leading to a hemorrhagic stroke and life-threatening bleeding [1].
True vs. False Carotid Artery Aneurysm
Like other aneurysms, carotid artery aneurysms can be either true or false. These are medical terms that describe how the bulge forms in your artery.
Type | What It Involves | Most Common Cause |
True carotid artery aneurysm | Affects all three layers of your artery wall (intima, media, and adventitia); all bulge outward and form the aneurysm's wall [1] | Atherosclerosis [1] |
False carotid artery aneurysm (pseudoaneurysm) | Only affects one or two layers of your artery wall; usually looks like a round sac that sticks out of your artery on a narrow "neck" [1] | Trauma, infection, and complications from medical procedures [1] |
Both true and false aneurysms can lead to complications and may require treatment.
Who Do Carotid Artery Aneurysms Affect?
Carotid artery aneurysms can affect adults of any age and, rarely, children. But they usually affect people in their 50s or 60s [1].
Are Carotid Artery Aneurysms Common?
Carotid artery aneurysms are rare. Fewer than 1 in 100 aneurysms are carotid artery aneurysms [1].
Symptoms of a Carotid Artery Aneurysm
Some people with carotid artery aneurysms have no symptoms. Of those who do, symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke are most common [1]. A TIA is also called a "mini stroke," and it may be a warning sign that a stroke may happen in the next few days or weeks. Both TIAs and strokes happen when blood flow to your brain is interrupted.
TIAs and strokes are medical emergencies that need immediate care. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have any of the following symptoms:
Emergency Sign | What to Watch For |
Vision changes | Difficulty seeing from one or both eyes [1] |
Walking difficulty | Difficulty walking |
Balance problems | Dizziness, loss of coordination, or feeling off-balance [1] |
Numbness or weakness | Especially on one side of your body — face, arms, or legs [1] |
Severe headache | Sudden and severe [1] |
Speech trouble | Trouble speaking or understanding others' speech [1]; speech may be slurred or confused |
You may not be able to call 911 if you're experiencing severe symptoms. So it's important to educate your loved ones about TIA and stroke symptoms so they know when to call for help. If you live alone, it's a good idea to get a medical alert system that requires simply pushing a button to seek help.
Aside from TIAs and strokes, the aneurysm may cause you to feel other symptoms if it puts pressure on nearby structures. If the aneurysm presses on veins or nerves in your neck or head, you may experience headaches, hoarseness, neck pain, swelling in your face, a throbbing lump you can feel in your neck, trouble swallowing, and vision problems [1]. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.
Causes of Carotid Artery Aneurysms
There are many possible causes of carotid artery aneurysms.
Cause Category | Examples |
Atherosclerosis | The most common cause [1] — plaque buildup damaging the artery wall |
Conditions that weaken artery walls | Fibromuscular dysplasia and connective tissue diseases [1] |
Medical procedure complications | Complications from carotid endarterectomy, central line placement, or radiation therapy [1] |
Traumatic injury | Injury to your artery, such as a gunshot or stab wound [1] |
Risk Factors
Carotid artery aneurysms happen when your artery's walls become weak. Many factors can raise your risk of weakened arterial walls.
How Is a Carotid Artery Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose carotid artery aneurysms through a physical exam, family history, medical history, and imaging tests [1].
During the physical exam, your provider uses a stethoscope to hear blood flow through your carotid artery. A whooshing sound (carotid bruit) is sometimes a sign of a carotid artery aneurysm [1]. Your provider will ask about medical conditions that have affected your biological family, since people with a family history of aneurysms often face a higher risk. They will also learn about your medical history and associated conditions, which helps identify possible causes of an aneurysm.
Imaging tests show what's happening inside your carotid artery and the surrounding areas. They confirm the diagnosis of a carotid artery aneurysm and help your provider determine the best treatment. Sometimes, providers diagnose aneurysms after suspecting a person has one. Other times, they diagnose them through imaging tests done for other reasons. This is called an incidental diagnosis [1].
Diagnostic Test | What It Checks |
Physical exam | A whooshing sound (carotid bruit) heard with a stethoscope is sometimes a sign |
Family history | Conditions that have affected your biological family |
Medical history | Associated conditions that may identify possible causes |
Computed tomography (CT) scan | Imaging of the carotid artery and surrounding areas |
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) | Detailed imaging of the blood vessels |
Ultrasound | Non-invasive imaging of blood flow in the carotid artery |
Your provider may also recommend brain imaging to check blood flow through your brain and look for additional aneurysms, genetic testing to check for underlying genetic conditions, and imaging tests to check your aorta or other arteries for additional aneurysms [1].
Treatment for Carotid Artery Aneurysms
Carotid artery aneurysm treatment includes surveillance, open surgery, and endovascular stent grafting. The goals of treatment are to reduce symptoms and lower your risk of complications. You may need surgical or endovascular repair if you face a high risk of complications like aneurysm rupture or stroke. Your surgeon takes into account many factors to determine your risk, including the aneurysm size, how quickly the aneurysm is growing, and whether or not you have symptoms [1].
Treatment | How It Works | Best For |
Surveillance ("watchful waiting") | Imaging testing (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) every six to 12 months; provider looks for changes | Small aneurysms that aren't causing symptoms |
Blood pressure medication | Lowers pressure on the aneurysm | People with high blood pressure |
Cholesterol-lowering medication | Addresses cholesterol risk factors | As prescribed by your provider |
Open surgery (bypass grafting) | The damaged part of the carotid artery is removed, and a new path is created for blood to flow from the normal artery below the aneurysm to the normal artery above it | Cases needing traditional surgical repair |
Endovascular stent grafting | A less invasive option: a small puncture is made in an artery in your groin, catheters guide a stent graft through your blood vessels to the aneurysm, and the graft is expanded inside your artery and held by metallic hooks | Depending on aneurysm size and location |
Surveillance (Watchful Waiting)
Surveillance means your provider monitors your aneurysm. You'll have imaging testing (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) every six to 12 months [1]. Your provider will look for any changes. This is often an option for small aneurysms that aren't causing any symptoms.
If you have high blood pressure, your provider may prescribe blood pressure medication. This can help lower pressure on the aneurysm. Your provider may also prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication [1].
Open Surgery
Surgical repair is the traditional treatment method. Your surgeon removes the damaged part of your carotid artery. Then, they create a new path for your blood to flow from the normal artery below the aneurysm to the normal artery above it. This is called bypass grafting [1].
Your surgeon may use part of a blood vessel taken from somewhere else in your body to create the new blood vessel (graft). Or they may use an artificial material like GORE-TEX [1].
Endovascular Stent Grafting
Endovascular repair is a less invasive option compared to open surgery. You may be eligible for endovascular stent grafting depending on the size of the aneurysm and its location in your carotid artery [1].
Endovascular means that surgery is performed inside your artery using long, thin tubes (catheters). Your surgeon makes a small puncture in an artery in your groin. Then, they use catheters to guide a stent graft through your blood vessels until it reaches the aneurysm site. Under X-ray guidance, your surgeon positions the graft in the area of the aneurysm. They expand the graft inside your artery, where metallic hooks hold it in place [1]. The graft functions as a new path for your blood to flow.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Your healthcare provider will tailor treatment to your situation and needs. Before any procedure or surgery, your provider will talk with you about its benefits, risks, and side effects. Your provider will also give you detailed guidelines for your preparation and recovery.
Outlook and Prognosis
What Can I Expect If I Have a Carotid Artery Aneurysm?
The outlook for people with carotid artery aneurysms can vary widely. Some people have a small aneurysm that their provider monitors for many years. Others have an aneurysm that grows quickly and needs treatment. Surgeries and endovascular procedures can treat your aneurysm but carry some risks [1]. Talk with your provider about your condition and what you can expect going forward.
Prevention
How Can I Reduce My Risk of a Carotid Artery Aneurysm?
Some risk factors (like biological family history) are out of your control. But you can take some steps to keep your arteries healthy and lower your risk of an aneurysm.
Prevention Step | What It Involves |
Don't smoke, vape, or use tobacco | Ask your provider for resources to help you quit |
Eat a heart-healthy diet | Low in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar [1] |
Exercise regularly | According to your healthcare provider's guidance |
Limit alcohol intake | Keep alcohol consumption moderate |
Manage risk factors | Control high blood pressure |
Take medications as prescribed | Follow your provider's instructions |
Keep up with check-ups | Yearly visits and all follow-up appointments |
Living With a Carotid Artery Aneurysm
How Do I Take Care of Myself?
Follow your healthcare provider's guidance on lifestyle changes that can help you manage your condition. Also, ask your provider about any activity restrictions. You may need to avoid some activities that cause you to overexert yourself.
Your provider will tell you how often you need to come in for appointments or testing. Be sure to go to all of your appointments. Call your provider if you have new or changing symptoms, side effects from any of your medications, or any questions or concerns about your aneurysm or your treatment plan.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you have symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Question | Why It Matters |
Where's the aneurysm located? Is it in my neck or skull? | Determines extracranial vs. intracranial and treatment approach |
How big is the aneurysm? | Helps gauge risk and treatment urgency |
Will I need treatment? If so, when? | Plans your care timeline |
What are my treatment options? | Knows your full set of choices |
What are the benefits and risks of each option? | Informed decision-making |
What can I expect as I recover? | Prepares you for recovery |
What lifestyle changes should I make? | Supports artery health |
Do I have any activity restrictions? | Keeps you safe in daily life |
Do I need additional testing? How often? | Ensures proper monitoring |
Extracranial vs. Intracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysm
What is the difference between an extracranial carotid artery aneurysm and an intracranial carotid artery aneurysm? Both terms refer to an aneurysm that affects one of your carotid arteries, but they each describe a different location for where the aneurysm forms. Extracranial means the aneurysm is outside of your skull, in your neck. Intracranial means the aneurysm is within your skull.
Researchers use these two terms because your internal carotid artery travels both outside and within your skull. Your internal carotid arteries (one on each side of your neck) branch from your common carotid arteries in your neck. They then travel straight upward through your neck until they reach the base of your skull. This extracranial part of each internal carotid artery is called the C1 or cervical segment [1] — "cervical" in this context means something related to your neck.
Each internal carotid artery then passes through an opening in your skull called the carotid canal. This is the dividing point between the extracranial and intracranial parts of your artery. After this point, your internal carotid artery is within your skull (intracranial). It continues on a winding path to join up with other blood vessels in your brain. Scientists further divide the intracranial part into six segments: C2 (petrous), C3 (lacerum), C4 (cavernous), C5 (clinoid), C6 (ophthalmic), and C7 (communicating) [1].
There's no need to memorize these terms, but knowing this anatomy can help you talk with your provider about your condition. Your provider may say you have an aneurysm in your "left internal carotid artery, cervical segment." This refers to the internal carotid artery on the left side of your body — but specifically, a segment outside of your skull. Ask your provider about any terms you don't understand. They can help you understand what's going on inside of your body and where it's happening.
Related Reading on Rinnit
Stroke: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment — A Complete Guide
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): The Mini-Stroke That Is Actually a Warning
Arteriosclerosis & Atherosclerosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment — Complete Guide
High Blood Pressure: Silent Symptoms, Serious Risks, and Proven Ways to Lower It
Conclusion
An extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is a bulge in one of the carotid arteries in your neck — the major arteries that supply blood to your brain, head, face, and neck. Each side of your body has a common carotid artery that rises from your upper chest, and each one divides in your neck into an internal and external branch. Aneurysms can affect any carotid artery, but they most often develop in one of the internal carotid arteries, on the neck (extracranial) portion of the artery's path.
The aneurysm forms when part of the artery wall weakens. As it grows, the wall grows thinner, raising the risk that it will burst — much like a balloon whose walls thin as it fills with air. These aneurysms are rare (fewer than 1 in 100 aneurysms are carotid artery aneurysms [1]), usually affect people in their 50s or 60s, and can affect adults of any age and, rarely, children. Some people have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they often reflect pressure the aneurysm puts on nearby veins or nerves — headaches, hoarseness, neck pain, facial swelling, a throbbing lump in the neck, trouble swallowing, and vision problems. The most serious symptoms are those of a TIA (mini stroke) or stroke, caused by blood clots that form in the aneurysm and block blood flow to the brain. TIAs and strokes are medical emergencies: call 911 immediately for sudden severe headache, one-sided numbness or weakness, vision or speech changes, dizziness, or difficulty walking.
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of a true carotid artery aneurysm, which involves all three layers of the artery wall (intima, media, and adventitia). A false aneurysm, called a pseudoaneurysm, affects only one or two layers and typically results from trauma, infection, or complications of medical procedures such as carotid endarterectomy, central line placement, or radiation therapy. Risk factors include family history of aneurysms, high blood pressure, and smoking or tobacco use [1].
Diagnosis combines a physical exam (a whooshing sound called a carotid bruit may be heard with a stethoscope), family and medical history, and imaging tests including CT scan, MRA, and ultrasound [1]. Sometimes an aneurysm is found incidentally on imaging done for other reasons. Treatment depends on the aneurysm's size, growth rate, and symptoms: small, symptom-free aneurysms may simply be monitored with imaging every six to 12 months [1], sometimes with blood pressure or cholesterol medication. Larger or higher-risk aneurysms may be treated with open surgery (bypass grafting using a vein graft or artificial material) or endovascular stent grafting — a less invasive approach where a stent graft is guided through a groin puncture and expanded inside the artery under X-ray guidance. The outlook varies widely, but with proper monitoring and timely treatment, many people go on with life as normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a carotid artery aneurysm?
A carotid artery aneurysm is a bulge in one of your carotid arteries. These arteries supply blood to your brain, head, face, and neck.
What do carotid arteries do?
Your carotid arteries supply blood to your brain, head, face, and neck. You have a common carotid artery on each side of your upper chest, and each divides in your neck into two branches.
What are the two branches of the carotid artery?
Each common carotid artery divides into two branches: the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery.
Where do carotid artery aneurysms usually develop?
Aneurysms may affect any of your carotid arteries, but they usually develop in one of your internal carotid arteries.
What is an extracranial carotid artery aneurysm?
Extracranial means the aneurysm is outside of your skull, in your neck. Both terms refer to an aneurysm that affects one of your carotid arteries, but they describe a different location for where the aneurysm forms.
What does extracranial mean?
Extracranial means outside of your skull, in your neck.
What is an intracranial carotid artery aneurysm?
Intracranial means the aneurysm is within your skull.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm happens when part of an artery wall weakens. As the aneurysm grows bigger, your artery wall grows thinner, and there's an increased risk that the aneurysm will burst.
Why is a growing aneurysm dangerous?
You can compare it to a balloon filling up with air. As the balloon gets bigger, its walls get thinner and may pop. So the larger an aneurysm grows, the more dangerous it can be.
How serious is a carotid artery aneurysm?
Carotid artery aneurysms affect blood vessels that send blood to your brain. These aneurysms may be small and cause no complications. But blood clots can sometimes form in the aneurysm and block blood flow to your brain.
Can a carotid artery aneurysm cause a stroke?
Yes. Blood clots can sometimes form in the aneurysm and block blood flow to your brain. This can lead to a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke.
What is a TIA?
A TIA (transient ischemic attack) is also called a "mini stroke," and it may be a warning sign that a stroke may happen in the next few days or weeks. Both TIAs and strokes happen when blood flow to your brain is interrupted.
What happens if a carotid artery aneurysm ruptures?
Large aneurysms may rupture (burst), leading to a hemorrhagic stroke and life-threatening bleeding.
What is the difference between a true and false carotid artery aneurysm?
A true carotid artery aneurysm affects all three layers of your artery wall (intima, media, and adventitia), which all bulge outward and form the aneurysm's wall. A false carotid artery aneurysm (pseudoaneurysm) only affects one or two layers of your artery wall.
What are the three layers of an artery wall?
The three layers are the intima, media, and adventitia. In a true aneurysm, all three layers bulge outward and form the aneurysm's wall.
What is a pseudoaneurysm?
A false carotid artery aneurysm, also called a pseudoaneurysm, only affects one or two layers of your artery wall. It usually looks like a round sac that sticks out of your artery on a narrow "neck."
What causes a true carotid artery aneurysm?
Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of a true aneurysm.
What causes a pseudoaneurysm?
Trauma, infection, and complications from medical procedures are typical causes of a pseudoaneurysm.
Who do carotid artery aneurysms affect?
Carotid artery aneurysms can affect adults of any age and, rarely, children. But they usually affect people in their 50s or 60s.
How common are carotid artery aneurysms?
Carotid artery aneurysms are rare. Fewer than 1 in 100 aneurysms are carotid artery aneurysms.
Do carotid artery aneurysms cause symptoms?
Some people with carotid artery aneurysms have no symptoms. Of those who do, symptoms of a TIA or stroke are most common.
What are the emergency symptoms of a TIA or stroke?
Call 911 immediately for: difficulty seeing from one or both eyes, difficulty walking, dizziness or loss of coordination, numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs (especially on one side), sudden severe headache, and trouble speaking or understanding others' speech.
Why is a TIA a warning sign?
A TIA may be a warning sign that a stroke may happen in the next few days or weeks, because both happen when blood flow to your brain is interrupted.
What happens if the aneurysm presses on nearby structures?
If the aneurysm presses on veins or nerves in your neck or head, you may experience headaches, hoarseness, neck pain, swelling in your face, a throbbing lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, and vision problems.
Can I feel a carotid artery aneurysm?
Yes, if it puts pressure on nearby structures. You may feel a throbbing lump in your neck. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.
Why does a carotid artery aneurysm cause hoarseness?
The aneurysm may press on veins or nerves in your neck or head, which can cause hoarseness among other symptoms.
Can a carotid artery aneurysm cause trouble swallowing?
Yes. If the aneurysm presses on veins or nerves in your neck or head, it can cause trouble swallowing.
Can a carotid artery aneurysm cause facial swelling?
Yes. If the aneurysm presses on nearby veins or nerves, you may experience swelling in your face.
What causes carotid artery aneurysms?
Possible causes include atherosclerosis (most common), conditions that make your artery walls weak (fibromuscular dysplasia and connective tissue diseases), medical procedure complications (carotid endarterectomy, central line placement, or radiation therapy), and traumatic injury to your artery, such as a gunshot or stab wound.
What is fibromuscular dysplasia?
Fibromuscular dysplasia is one of the conditions that make your artery walls weak, and it is one of the possible causes of carotid artery aneurysms.
What are the risk factors for carotid artery aneurysms?
Risk factors include family history of aneurysms, high blood pressure (hypertension), and smoking or tobacco use. These factors raise your risk of weakened arterial walls.
Why does family history matter?
Carotid artery aneurysms happen when your artery's walls become weak, and many factors can raise your risk of weakened arterial walls, including a family history of aneurysms.
How is a carotid artery aneurysm diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose carotid artery aneurysms through a physical exam, family history, medical history, and imaging tests.
What is a carotid bruit?
A whooshing sound your provider can sometimes hear with a stethoscope while listening to blood flow through your carotid artery. It is sometimes a sign of a carotid artery aneurysm.
What is an incidental diagnosis?
Sometimes providers diagnose aneurysms through imaging tests done for other reasons. This is called an incidental diagnosis.
What tests diagnose carotid artery aneurysms?
Imaging tests include computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and ultrasound.
What is magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)?
MRA is an imaging test that shows what's happening inside your carotid artery and the surrounding areas. It helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment.
What other tests might my provider recommend?
Your provider may also recommend brain imaging to check blood flow through your brain and look for additional aneurysms, genetic testing to check for underlying genetic conditions, and imaging tests to check your aorta or other arteries for additional aneurysms.
What are the treatment options for carotid artery aneurysms?
Treatment includes surveillance, open surgery, and endovascular stent grafting. The goals are to reduce symptoms and lower your risk of complications.
When do I need surgery or endovascular repair?
You may need surgical or endovascular repair if you face a high risk of complications like aneurysm rupture or stroke. Your surgeon considers aneurysm size, growth speed, and whether or not you have symptoms.
What is surveillance?
Surveillance, also called "watchful waiting," means your provider monitors your aneurysm with imaging testing (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) every six to 12 months and looks for any changes. This is often an option for small aneurysms that aren't causing symptoms.
Can medication help with a carotid artery aneurysm?
Yes. If you have high blood pressure, your provider may prescribe blood pressure medication to help lower pressure on the aneurysm. Your provider may also prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication.
What is open surgery for a carotid artery aneurysm?
Surgical repair is the traditional treatment method. Your surgeon removes the damaged part of your carotid artery and creates a new path for your blood to flow from the normal artery below the aneurysm to the normal artery above it. This is called bypass grafting.
What is a bypass graft?
Your surgeon may use part of a blood vessel taken from somewhere else in your body to create the new blood vessel (graft), or they may use an artificial material like GORE-TEX.
What is endovascular stent grafting?
Endovascular repair is a less invasive option. Your surgeon makes a small puncture in an artery in your groin and uses long, thin tubes (catheters) to guide a stent graft through your blood vessels until it reaches the aneurysm site.
Am I eligible for endovascular stent grafting?
You may be eligible depending on the size of the aneurysm and its location in your carotid artery.
How does endovascular stent grafting work?
Under X-ray guidance, your surgeon positions the graft in the area of the aneurysm and expands it inside your artery, where metallic hooks hold it in place. The graft functions as a new path for your blood to flow.
Is endovascular repair safer than open surgery?
Endovascular repair is a less invasive option compared to open surgery, though both can carry risks. Your provider will discuss the benefits and risks of each option.
What is the difference between the extracranial and intracranial parts of the internal carotid artery?
Your internal carotid arteries travel upward through your neck (the extracranial part, called the C1 or cervical segment) until they reach the base of your skull, then pass through the carotid canal and continue within your skull (the intracranial part).
What is the carotid canal?
The carotid canal is an opening in your skull. The internal carotid artery passes through it, and it marks the dividing point between the extracranial and intracranial parts of your artery.
What is the cervical segment?
The extracranial part of each internal carotid artery is called the C1 or cervical segment. "Cervical" in this context means something related to your neck.
What are the intracranial segments of the internal carotid artery?
Scientists divide the intracranial part into six segments: C2 (petrous), C3 (lacerum), C4 (cavernous), C5 (clinoid), C6 (ophthalmic), and C7 (communicating).
What does "left internal carotid artery, cervical segment" mean?
It refers to the internal carotid artery on the left side of your body, but specifically a segment outside of your skull.
Can I reduce my risk of a carotid artery aneurysm?
Some risk factors (like biological family history) are out of your control, but you can keep your arteries healthy by not smoking, eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, managing high blood pressure, taking medications as prescribed, and keeping yearly check-ups.
What diet is best for my arteries?
A heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat, sodium, and sugar.
What is the outlook for carotid artery aneurysms?
The outlook can vary widely. Some people have a small aneurysm that their provider monitors for many years. Others have an aneurysm that grows quickly and needs treatment. Surgeries and endovascular procedures can treat your aneurysm but carry some risks.
Can I go on with life as normal with a carotid artery aneurysm?
Yes — thanks to imaging technologies and treatments, many people can go on with life as normal. Talk with your provider about next steps and keep all appointments for imaging and follow-ups.
What lifestyle changes should I make?
Follow your healthcare provider's guidance on lifestyle changes that can help manage your condition, and ask about any activity restrictions. You may need to avoid some activities that cause overexertion.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call if you have new or changing symptoms, side effects from medications, or any questions or concerns about your aneurysm or treatment plan.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you have symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Why should my loved ones know the symptoms?
You may not be able to call 911 if you're experiencing severe symptoms. Educate your loved ones about TIA and stroke symptoms so they know when to call for help. If you live alone, consider a medical alert system that requires simply pushing a button to seek help.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Good starting questions include: Where's the aneurysm located (neck or skull)? How big is it? Will I need treatment and when? What are my treatment options and their benefits and risks? What can I expect in recovery? What lifestyle changes should I make? Do I have activity restrictions? Do I need additional testing and how often?
References
Cleveland Clinic. Carotid Artery Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated August 29, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16843-extracranial-carotid-artery-aneurysm
Galyfos G, Eleftheriou M, Theodoropoulos C, et al. Open versus endovascular repair for extracranial carotid aneurysms. Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2021;74(3):1017-1023.e5. PMID 33940071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.038
Hoffman ME, Squiers JJ, Hamandi M, et al. Systematic Review of the Influence of Anatomy and Aneurysm Type on Treatment Choice and Outcomes in Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms. Annals of Vascular Surgery. 2022;83:349-357. PMID 35257919. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avsg.2022.02.006
Giannopoulos S, Trinidad E, Aronow H, et al. Endovascular Repair of Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review. Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 2020;54(3):254-263. PMID 31894734. https://doi.org/10.1177/1538574419895383
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if you experience symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA) — including sudden severe headache, one-sided numbness or weakness, vision or speech changes, dizziness, or difficulty walking.
Comments