Question 1

why is my left side carotid artery painful and popping during air travel?

Accepted Answer

: I wouldn't expect a carotid artery to be the cause of a popping sensation at any time. Since your discomfort seems to only occur while flying, I would ascribe it to muscle or ligament changes secondary to posture or positional factors while sitting in the plane seat. Would cold air from the overhead jet be blowing on your neck? If you have significant pathology in your neck,I'd expect moresymptoms

Question 2

should the pressure in the carotid arteries on the right side be roughly the same as on the left side? right side pulse is weak. what could cause this

Accepted Answer

Arteries: Yes,the pressure or strength of the pulsation in each carotid artery should be the same unless there is a blockage reducing the pressure in the one with a weak pulsation. However this would be unusual in your age bracket. If you have further concerns have your physician examine and advise you.

Question 3

when lying on left side i see and feel pulsation betweensternal head and between jugular notch on the right side only this is carotid artery? normal?

Accepted Answer

Could be: carotid or another major vessel or aneurysm.  Only way to know for sure is by careful physical exam and sometimes imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MR.  Show it to your doctor to be sure.

Question 4

my left carotid artery hurts and pounds terribly strong it spasms a lot anspd face neck numb on that side. scared i have carotid anurysm help me ?

Accepted Answer

Aneurysm doubtful: An aneurysm is very unlikely. You may have an inflammatory condition or vasculitis. Generally, arteries don't hurt unless inflamed. An ultrasound would be the first step. Make an appointment with a vascular surgeon, but, you will not likely need surgery.

Question 5

i am experiencing pain on the left side of my neck only when i touch it. it is very painful. i went to my doctor today she said it was possibly a node under my carotid artery. i am nervous that it's something more serious being right where my carotid?

Accepted Answer

Node under carotid: Discuss with your Dr. who knows you best and has felt ti. Not likely dangerous.

Question 6

i am 54, previous heart attack.  now have mild blockage in the right carotid artery and moderate/ severe in the left so i am told.  cta shows 50% blockage on both sides.  the left carotid artery has a velocity in the 400's. how should they treat this?

Accepted Answer

Carotid stenosis: Agree with Dr Fowler, as you would highly benefit from a telemedicine virtual consult with one of our superlative HT physicians 
A vascular surgeon could also provide excellent guidance and is another worthwhile visit.

Question 7

could i have carotid artery dissection? pain in neck started 5 days ago , comes and goes . also experiencing stabbing pain on in head that comes and goes ( all on left side ) how long would a stroke from a dissection take to form ?

Accepted Answer

: It is not feasible to provide a meaningful opinion without additional history, physical examination and may be some tests. It would be prudent to see a doctor. Carotid artery dissection is not common unless you have Marfan's.  
Wish you good health!

Question 8

for the past few days i have felt a pulse in my jaw on the left side. every few minutes, i feel a twitch on my jaw, right above my carotid artery. no pain. is this just a muscle?

Accepted Answer

: Those symptoms may occur when you have a problem with your tooth, gum or oral mucosa, such as a simple cancer sore. You did not state if you have any oral symptom so I guess you don't. At times, a upper viral infection may behave that way although you do not have other symptoms in the oropharyngeal area. Anyway, those are often benign, usually self limited.

Question 9

throat/vocal cords spasm when i talk. left side in front of carotid artery. sharp stabbing, interferes with speech. any idea?

Accepted Answer

Vocal cord : At this young age - lymph node could be possibility . Or some panic anxiety issues of all others are ruled out.

Question 10

painful lump approx 1"long x.25" wide along the left side of  neck - what feels like the carotid artery area. also - cold sore weeping into left eye?

Accepted Answer

Painful: Cervical  lump needs evaluation could be a lympgadenopathy or a carbuncle and less likely a tumor

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Doctor answers about:

Pain in carotid artery left side

A member asked:

Why is my left side carotid artery painful and popping during air travel?

A member asked:

Should the pressure in the carotid arteries on the right side be roughly the same as on the left side? right side pulse is weak. what could cause this

A member asked:

When lying on left side i see and feel pulsation betweensternal head and between jugular notch on the right side only this is carotid artery? normal?

A member asked:

My left carotid artery hurts and pounds terribly strong it spasms a lot anspd face neck numb on that side. scared i have carotid anurysm help me ?

A member asked:

I am experiencing pain on the left side of my neck only when i touch it. it is very painful. i went to my doctor today she said it was possibly a node under my carotid artery. i am nervous that it's something more serious being right where my carotid?

A member asked:

I am 54, previous heart attack. now have mild blockage in the right carotid artery and moderate/ severe in the left so i am told. cta shows 50% blockage on both sides. the left carotid artery has a velocity in the 400's. how should they treat this?

A member asked:

Could i have carotid artery dissection? pain in neck started 5 days ago , comes and goes . also experiencing stabbing pain on in head that comes and goes ( all on left side ) how long would a stroke from a dissection take to form ?

A member asked:

For the past few days i have felt a pulse in my jaw on the left side. every few minutes, i feel a twitch on my jaw, right above my carotid artery. no pain. is this just a muscle?

A member asked:

Throat/vocal cords spasm when i talk. left side in front of carotid artery. sharp stabbing, interferes with speech. any idea?

A member asked:

Painful lump approx 1"long x.25" wide along the left side of neck - what feels like the carotid artery area. also - cold sore weeping into left eye?

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