Carotid Dissection Associated With a Handheld Electric Massager: Discussion

Neck pain is common, as are many styles of electric massagers. A limited review of web sites selling handheld electric massagers revealed several photographs showing the devices being applied to the lateral neck region, although instruction manuals generally advise to keep the unit moving face massager and caution against holding it in any one location for more than a few minutes. Unfortunately, these widely used devices are generally considered harmless, and such instructions are easily ignored. Perhaps a specific warning of the risk of stroke and injury to critical blood vessels would prompt more cautious use of electric massagers on the neck. Tragically, in this instance a device intended to relieve pain appears to have resulted in a disabling stroke in an otherwise healthy young woman.