Carotid Artery Disease

Carotid artery disease is a narrowing of one or both of the two main vessels in the neck that carry oxygen-rich blood to the brain. The usual cause is a build-up of plaque (deposits of cholesterol, fat and other substances) in the inner lining of the arteries’ walls. If blood flow becomes sufficiently obstructed or if a blood clot forms and plugs the vessel entirely, stroke can occur.

Although there may be no symptoms, some patients may have episodes of blurred vision, extremity weakness, slurred speech, dizziness or difficulty swallowing. Effective drug and surgical treatments are available.