What causes blood vessels to burst in the neck and shoulders?

There are a few conditions that can cause blood vessels to burst in the neck and shoulders, most commonly being traumatic injury or a ruptured aneurysm. It's important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect a blood vessel has burst, as it can be a serious medical condition.

Traumatic injury: Traumatic injury, such as a car accident, sports injury, or physical assault, can cause blood vessels in the neck and shoulders to burst. This can occur when the force of the injury damages the vessel walls, leading to bleeding.

Ruptured aneurysm: An aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel. When an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause a sudden burst of blood flow and damage surrounding tissues. Aortic aneurysms, which occur in the aorta (the main artery in the body), can cause blood vessels in the neck and shoulders to burst.

Other causes can include:

Severe infections: Infections that spread to the bloodstream, such as sepsis or bacterial meningitis, can cause damage to blood vessel walls, leading to bursting.

Genetic connective tissue disorders: Certain genetic conditions that affect the structure of connective tissue, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, can weaken blood vessel walls and make them more prone to bursting.

Medical procedures: Some medical procedures, such as surgery or invasive procedures involving the neck and shoulders, can inadvertently damage blood vessels and cause them to burst.

Sudden changes in blood pressure: Sudden increases in blood pressure, such as those that occur during strenuous exercise, intense coughing, or vomiting, can put strain on blood vessels and cause them to burst.