Septic embolization to the carotid bifurcation presenting as carotidynia.

Carotidynia is a term that is best defined by neck pain associated with tenderness over the carotid artery. The differential diagnosis of this entity is broad and includes vascular disorders such as carotid dissection, aneurysm, occlusion, and arteritis. We describe the first reported case of carotidynia caused by septic embolization to the carotid bulb and offer a logical plan for its management.