What are the symptoms of a blockage in the carotid artery?
Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, often on only one side of the body.
- Sudden trouble speaking and understanding.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance.
- Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
What is the function of carotid artery?
There are two carotid arteries in the neck — one on either side. They supply essential blood and oxygen to the brain and head. Carotid artery disease is a common but serious condition affecting the carotid arteries. Plaque buildup can cause carotid artery blockages that reduce or prevent blood flow to the brain.
Can you feel a blocked artery in your neck?
Carotid artery disease often does not cause symptoms until the blockage or narrowing is severe. One sign may be a bruit (whooshing sound) that your doctor hears when listening to your artery with a stethoscope.
Can a blocked artery in the neck cause dizziness?
Over time, stenosis can advance to complete blockage of the artery. Risk factors for carotid artery stenosis include age, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and an inactive lifestyle. Some people with carotid artery stenosis may experience dizziness, fainting, and blurred vision.
What do you need to know about carotid arteries?
Ultrasound, to assess blood flow and pressure in the carotid arteries. CT or MRI, to look for evidence of stroke or other abnormalities. CT angiography or MR angiography, which provides additional images of blood flow in the carotid arteries.
How are plaques removed from the carotid artery?
Carotid endarterectomy In carotid endarterectomy, your surgeon opens the carotid artery to remove atherosclerotic plaques. Carotid angioplasty In carotid angioplasty, a long, hollow tube (catheter) is threaded through the arteries to the narrowed carotid artery in the neck.
How are stents used to treat carotid artery disease?
A metal mesh tube (stent) is inserted into the vessel to serve as a scaffold that helps prevent the artery from narrowing again. The catheter and the filter — which catches any debris that may break off during the procedure — are removed. The goal in treating carotid artery disease is to prevent stroke.
How does high blood pressure cause carotid artery disease?
Clogged carotid arteries have trouble delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital brain structures that are responsible for your day-to-day functioning. Factors that increase your risk of carotid artery disease include: High blood pressure. Excess pressure on artery walls can weaken them and make them more vulnerable to damage. Tobacco use.