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Should We Be Concerned About These Blood Vessels on Her Neck?

7/4/2025, 1:20:22 AMMale25-34

I am a 40-year-old female weighing 170 lbs, with a heterozygous factor V Leiden condition and currently on ADHD medication. While in the bathroom, my wife noticed some broken blood vessels on her neck that seem to have appeared quite abruptly over the past few hours. Normally, if these marks were located anywhere else on her body, we likely would not have been too alarmed. However, given their position near her carotid artery, it has raised our concerns. Earlier today, I observed her sneezing quite forcefully multiple times. Recently, we began to wonder if that might have triggered the issue, as we cannot recall any other physical injury or incident that could account for this development. Additionally, it's important to note her heterozygous factor V Leiden status. This genetic condition has not posed any problems for her in the past—it was discovered during genetic testing—but we thought it was relevant to mention in this context.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/4/2025, 1:20:42 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to be concerned about the appearance of broken blood vessels on your wife's neck, especially near the carotid artery, coupled with her factor V Leiden status. These broken blood vessels, also known as petechiae or bruises, can occur for various reasons, including physical strain from sneezing.

Explanation:

Forceful sneezing can increase pressure in the blood vessels, leading to the rupture of small capillaries just under the skin. Given your wife’s heterozygous factor V Leiden condition, which predisposes her to clotting problems, it's wise to be vigilant. However, without other alarming symptoms, the situation often resolves itself.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the affected area. If the marks become more extensive, change in color, or if she develops swelling or pain around the area, this may warrant further attention.

  2. Self-care Measures:

    • Ice Application: If there's swelling or discomfort, applying a cold compress can help reduce inflammation.
    • Limit Strain: Encourage your wife to minimize activities that may involve sneezing or straining, as further pressure could worsen the situation.
  3. Observe for Alarming Symptoms: If she experiences additional symptoms like dizziness, severe pain in her neck, vision changes, or unusual headaches, seek prompt medical attention.

  4. Consider Follow-up: If the broken vessels do not improve over the next few days or if new symptoms arise, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Stay calm, and focus on monitoring her condition. It’s always good to have awareness of any changes, especially given her factor V Leiden status. Let me know if you have further questions or concerns.

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