Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of the carotid artery, which is located in the neck and supplies blood to the brain. It is a rare condition that can cause stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or other neurological symptoms. Treatment typically involves surgical repair or endovascular embolization.

The most common symptom of an extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is a pulsating sensation in the neck. Other symptoms may include:

-Pain in the neck, jaw, or face
-Hoarseness
-Difficulty swallowing
-A lump in the neck
-Headache
-Facial numbness
-Weakness in the face or arm
-Vision changes
-Dizziness or fainting

The exact cause of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms is unknown. However, some potential risk factors include:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Family history of aneurysms
• Trauma to the neck
• Infection
• Connective tissue disorders
• Certain medications, such as steroids

1. Endovascular coiling: This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a catheter into the artery and using a coil to block off the aneurysm.

2. Endovascular stenting: This procedure involves inserting a stent into the artery to keep it open and reduce the risk of rupture.

3. Open surgical repair: This is a more invasive procedure that involves surgically opening the artery and repairing the aneurysm.

4. Observation: In some cases, the aneurysm may be small enough that it can be monitored without any treatment.

1. Atherosclerosis
2. Hypertension
3. Smoking
4. Diabetes
5. Hyperlipidemia
6. Family history of aneurysm
7. Trauma
8. Connective tissue disorders
9. Inflammatory diseases
10. Congenital anomalies

The treatment for an extracranial carotid artery aneurysm depends on the size and location of the aneurysm. Small aneurysms may not require treatment, but larger aneurysms may require surgical repair or endovascular embolization. Medications such as antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants may be prescribed to reduce the risk of aneurysm rupture.