Léa looks at herself in the mirror and notices that purplish mark on her neck. A hickey, nothing unusual. She laughs about it at first, then comes across a worrying article: “A hickey could cause a stroke.”
Impossible, she thinks. And yet, doubt creeps in. How could something so ordinary have such serious consequences?
Is it just a media myth or a medical reality?
Hello, this is Dr. Joy!
In this article, we’re going to break down this often misunderstood phenomenon. The goal is simple: to understand what a hickey really is, in which very rare cases it can become a problem, and above all, to put the risk into proper perspective.
I – A HICKEY: ABOVE ALL, A HARMLESS LESION
First of all, it’s important to understand what a hickey actually is.
A hickey is a bruise, in other words, a small hemorrhage under the skin. It appears when tiny blood vessels break due to suction.
In the vast majority of cases, it is therefore a superficial and harmless lesion, similar to a bruise after a minor impact.
The body naturally reabsorbs the blood within a few days, without leaving any lasting effects.
In other words: in a normal context, a hickey is completely harmless.
II – WHEN A HARMLESS GESTURE CAN, IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES, CAUSE PROBLEMS
In very rare situations, the issue doesn’t remain limited to the skin.
The neck is a particular anatomical area because it contains essential structures, including the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain.
When suction is particularly intense, it may, in exceptional cases:
- weaken the wall of an artery
- lead to what is called an arterial dissection (a small internal tear)
- promote the formation of a blood clot
If this clot travels to the brain, it can then cause a stroke.
This mechanism is recognized in medicine, even though it is very rarely observed in this specific context.
III – A REAL BUT EXTREMELY RARE RISK
It’s essential to take a step back here.
Reported cases do exist, but they are:
- isolated
- exceptional
- often linked to specific circumstances
In practice, a hickey is not considered a common risk factor for stroke.
Media coverage of these situations can create the impression of significant danger, when in reality, these are very rare events.
IV – DR. JOY’S PRESCRIPTION: HOW TO STAY CAUTIOUS WITHOUT WORRYING
The goal is not to alarm, but to adopt a few simple habits.
- AVOID EXCESSIVELY INTENSE SUCTION: too much pressure may increase the risk of deeper injury.
- BE CAREFUL AROUND THE NECK: it’s a sensitive vascular area.
- WATCH FOR UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS: weakness in a limb, speech difficulties, or numbness should lead you to seek urgent medical attention.
In the vast majority of cases, no special precautions are needed beyond common sense.
If you relate to Léa’s situation, you can rest assured: a hickey is almost always just a temporary mark.
But this question highlights an essential point in medicine:
a risk can exist without being common.
Take care,
See you soon,
Dr Joy 🩺
- This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
You must seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health condition.
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