The carotid arteries are two major blood vessels on either side of your neck that deliver oxygen-rich blood to your brain. If plaque builds up inside these arteries, it can restrict blood flow and create a serious risk for a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke. This condition is called carotid artery disease or carotid artery blockage.
Carotid artery disease is a serious condition, but knowing the symptoms and risk factors can help you get medical care before a life-threatening emergency happens.
What Is Carotid Artery Blockage?
Carotid artery blockage happens when fatty deposits (plaque) accumulate inside the carotid arteries. This process is called atherosclerosis, and it gradually narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the brain.
In some cases, a piece of plaque or a blood clot can break loose and travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
What Are the Symptoms of Carotid Artery Blockage?
One of the most challenging aspects of carotid artery disease is that it doesn’t usually present any symptoms until it’s advanced. When blood flow becomes severely restricted and a stroke starts, the symptoms become obvious.
When symptoms do occur, they often resemble those of a stroke or TIA.
Common carotid artery blockage symptoms include:
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden vision loss or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Difficulty walking or coordinating movements
- Sudden, severe confusion
- Drooping on one side of the face
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you’re having a stroke, but they should always be treated as a medical emergency. If you experience these symptoms, do not attempt to drive yourself to the emergency room. Call 911 immediately.
What Is a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)?
A transient ischemic attack, also called a “mini-stroke,” happens when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily cut off. Symptoms are similar to those of a stroke but usually resolve within minutes or hours.
Even if symptoms disappear quickly, a TIA is a serious warning sign. Many people who experience a TIA are at increased risk of having a full stroke in the days or weeks that follow if the underlying problem is not treated.
A note on hemiplegic migraine: This rare type of migraine can cause symptoms similar to those of a mini-stroke, including numbness on one side of the body, vision loss, and difficulty speaking. Rather than trying to determine the cause of these symptoms yourself, call 911 and seek emergency medical care immediately.
Who Is at Risk for Carotid Artery Disease?
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing carotid artery blockage.
Risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Older age
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
Having these risk factors doesn’t mean carotid artery disease is inevitable. Managing these conditions can help slow plaque buildup and reduce your risk of stroke.
How Is Carotid Artery Blockage Diagnosed?
If your healthcare provider suspects carotid artery disease, they may recommend one or more imaging tests.
Common diagnostic tools include:
- Carotid ultrasound
- CT angiography (CTA)
- MR angiography (MRA)
- Conventional angiography in select cases
These tests allow physicians to determine the severity of the blockage and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How Is Carotid Artery Blockage Treated?
Treatment depends on the amount of blockage, your symptoms, and your overall health.
For mild or moderate disease, treatment often focuses on reducing stroke risk through lifestyle changes and medication.
Your provider may recommend:
- Blood pressure management
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
- Blood-thinning or antiplatelet medications when appropriate
- Smoking cessation
- Regular exercise
- A heart-healthy diet
If the blockage is severe or has already caused symptoms, a procedure may be recommended to restore blood flow.
Treatment options may include:
- Carotid endarterectomy: A surgical procedure that removes plaque from the artery.
- Carotid artery stenting: A minimally invasive procedure that opens the narrowed artery using a stent.
Your vascular specialist will determine which option is most appropriate based on your individual condition.
When Should You Seek Emergency Care?
Never wait to see if stroke symptoms improve on their own.
Call 911 immediately if you or someone else experiences:
- Sudden facial drooping
- Arm weakness
- Speech difficulty
- Sudden vision changes
- Loss of coordination
- Sudden confusion
Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of permanent brain damage.
Can Carotid Artery Disease Be Prevented?
While not every case can be prevented, healthy lifestyle habits can greatly reduce your risk.
You can help protect your arteries by:
- Keeping blood pressure under control
- Managing cholesterol
- Staying physically active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Managing diabetes, if applicable
Regular medical checkups are also important, especially if you have multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
Take Stroke Warning Signs Seriously
Carotid artery blockage often develops without warning, but its consequences can be life-altering. The positive news is that recognizing the symptoms of a TIA or stroke and getting immediate medical attention can make a world of difference.
If you have risk factors for carotid artery disease or you’ve experienced early warning signs, talk to your healthcare provider today about whether an evaluation might be right for you.