What Causes Pains In Right Carotid Artery?

Posted on Sun, 19 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 19 Jan 2014 Answered on

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have an unusual problem. I am a 61 yr. old female with arthritic issues and progressive spinal disease. Today, I started having pains in my right carotid artery. Am I just being a hypochondriac or is this a legitimate concern?

Answered by Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Please find detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for sending in your query. There are many structures in the neck region other than carotid artery. There are nerves, lymph nodes, veins and glands like salivary and thyroid, apart from the muscles, bones and fat layer in the region. If its a slight pain then its unlikely to be the carotid artery. Often pain with swelling in the region is due to enlarged lymph nodes in mild infections. You may get yourself clinically examined by your doctor and take medications if you have developed an infection. Hope this answers your query. Do write back if you have any doubts. Dr.A.Rao Kavoor

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar