Carotid Atherosclerotic Disease

Patients with carotid artery disease often don’t show any symptoms until the arteries have narrowed enough to reduce the blood flow to the brain. The first symptoms may occur during a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, also known as transient ischemic attack or stroke, and may include: 

• Clumsiness or poor coordination
• Confusion 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Headache 
• Numbness in the face, arm or leg
• Paralysis, or suddenly being unable to move an arm, leg or one side of the body 
• Sudden weakness on one side of the body
• Temporary blurred vision or vision loss 
• Unclear or slurred speech 
  
  

After a discussion of your symptoms and a physical exam, your neurologist may recommend several tests to help determine whether you have carotid atherosclerosis disease or early signs of stroke. Tests and exams may include: 

• Cerebral angiogram
• CTA and CT scans
• Duplex or Doppler ultrasound  
• MRA and MRI 
  
  

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of carotid atherosclerotic disease and usually progresses at a slow pace. Several risk factors have been identified, including:

• Age 
• Smoking
• Diabetes 
• Obesity
• High-fat diet 
• Lack of exercise 
• Alcohol or drug abuse 
• Family history and genetic factors
• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• Hyperlipidemia, or elevated fats in the blood 
• Excessive alcohol consumption 
  
  

This condition is also called carotid atherosclerotic stenosis, carotid artery disease or hardening of the arteries. Using your results, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to control disease progression and improve your quality of life. 

Your team of specialists will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the degree of your carotid artery stenosis (narrowing), your symptoms and your overall health.

Treatments may include: 

• Carotid endarterectomy 
• Angioplasty  
• Stenting