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Carotid Artery Stenosis
Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of the principle artery of the brain. This narrowing is usually caused by atherosclerotic plague. If the stenosis is sufficiently severe then blood flow to the brain may be diminished. This may result in a stroke. Often a warning stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) occurs. This is reversible and offers the opportunity to correct the stenosis before a permanent stroke occurs.
Symptoms
Symptoms include transient (temporary) or permanent weakness, numbness, tingling in one arm or leg or one side of the face. A TIA may present itself as temporary blindness in one eye or speech difficulty.
Diagnosis
An ultrasound of the carotid artery and MRA/MRI of the head and neck are used for diagnosis. A cerebral arteriogram is also used.
Treatment
Carotid artery stenosis may be treated with surgery - an endarterectomy is done to clean out the vessel. Angioplasty and stent is another option that dilates the artery. Treatment with medication has been shown to be inferior to surgical treatment.
Photos
Click on a photo for an enlarged image. Pictures will open in a new window.
©2003 Heffez Neurosurgical Associates, S.C.