Background: Handheld neck massagers pose a risk for thromboembolic stroke, a topic that has not been thoroughly explored in the literature.
Case description and literature review: We present a case of acute ischemic stroke in a 79-year-old male patient who experienced left upper extremity weakness after using a handheld neck massager. Imaging revealed a ruptured stenotic atherosclerotic plaque at the right internal carotid artery bulb and acute infarcts in the right middle cerebral artery vascular territory. A literature review identified other cases involving handheld massage devices.
Conclusions: Neck massager use can contribute to thromboembolic stroke in rare cases when atherosclerotic plaque is present. Recognizing this risk is important for understanding stroke etiology.
Keywords: Carotid atherosclerosis; Ischemic stroke; Neck massager; Thromboembolic stroke.
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