Condition: Carotid Artery Stenosis

The Carotid arteries are the major blood vessels in the neck supplying blood to the brain, neck and face.

Carotid Artery Stenosis is a narrowing of these large arteries usually as a result of a build-up of plaque within the arteries which can worsen over time causing them to block and lead to a stroke.

There are several symptoms of Carotid Artery Stenosis, most of which can come on quite suddenly. This is an impending stroke:

• Weakness or numbness in the face, arms or legs
• Trouble speaking
• Vision problems in vision in one or both eyes
• Dizziness
• Severe headache
• Drooping in one side of the face

Carotid artery disease is one of the most common causes of strokes, and if you have had a stroke in the front of the brain, your Consultant will ensure this is assessed.

The data for looking for the Carotid Artery Stenosis if you do not have symptoms is weaker.

There are several tests your consultant can do to help determine Carotid Artery Stenosis.

• Carotid ultrasound
• CT angiography
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
• Cerebral angiography

Carotid Artery Stenosis can be treated with:

• Medical Therapy – treating with anti-platelet medication, statins, controlling blood pressure.
• Carotid Artery Stenting – this is placed from the groin, to open up the artery, and reduce longer term risk.
• Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) – this is still the standard treatment for Carotid Artery Stenosis.