Carotid arteries are the blood vessels in the neck that supply oxygen to the brain. Carotid artery stenosis is narrowing of the blood vessels due to the build-up of a fatty substance called plaque inside the artery walls. The medical term for this disease is called atherosclerosis.

Stroke may occur if larger plaque or blood clots break off and travel from the carotid arteries into the vessels in the brain and block the blood flow. A Mini-Stroke may occur if smaller plaque or blood clots break off, travel into the vessels in the brain, and briefly interrupt blood flow.

Symptoms of a stroke or mini-stroke are the same. These symptoms include:
-numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
-slurring of speech
-sudden changes in vision or loss of vision in one eye
-facial droop

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately seek medical attention. Your doctor will evaluate you by asking you about your medical history and performing a physical exam. After the exam, your doctor may order one or more of the following diagnostic tests:
-Doppler or Duplex (ultrasound) evaluation of the arteries
-Angiography (x-ray with dye) mapping of the arteries
-Magnetic Resonance Angiography or MRA (imaging without x-ray)

Treatment is determined based on the symptoms and how severe the narrowing of the artery is. If surgery is recommended, your Primary Care Doctor will refer you to a Vascular Surgeon who will remove the plaque, reopen and smooth the carotid artery. This procedure is known as Carotid Endarterectomy. If surgery is not recommended, your doctor may prescribe a medication to improve your blood flow as well as suggest changes in your lifestyle.

Eating healthier, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure are all positive actions to help reduce the risk of stroke.
For more information about carotid artery disease and stroke, visit the patient information section about vascular conditions at www.vascularweb.org or ask your Primary Care Doctor.