The carotid artery is the main channel for oxygenated blood to reach the brain. Therefore, carotid artery occlusion disease is a serious condition that increases the risk of stroke if left untreated.
There is a carotid artery on each side of the neck. The carotid artery branches into two smaller vessels, the internal and external carotid arteries. Not enough oxygen reaches the brain when these arteries are narrowed or blocked by plaque and fatty deposits inside the blood vessel. The plaque may also break off into small pieces where it can travel to smaller vessels in the brain and lead to a stroke. The area where the main carotid artery branches is a common site of blockage.
Causes of carotid artery occlusion disease:
Factors contributing to plaque buildup include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and obesity. Carotid artery occlusive disease also has a genetic factor, so a family history of stroke increases your risk.
Symptoms of a blocked carotid artery in the neck:
Most patients with carotid artery obstruction do not have any symptoms, as substances accumulate in the carotid artery over time without warning signs, until a stroke occurs, but symptoms usually include the following:
– Sudden loss or blurred vision or difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
– Weakness, tingling, or numbness on one side of the face or body, or in one arm or leg.
– Sudden difficulty walking and lack of coordination.
– Sudden dizziness and/or confusion.
– Slurred speech and difficulty speaking.
Difficulty maintaining balance.
Sudden severe headache.
– Memory problems.
– Difficulty swallowing, which is called dysphagia.
These symptoms are usually short-lived, disappearing within a few hours, and are called a transient ischemic attack. However, they should not be ignored, as they are often an indicator of progressing carotid artery stenosis which is a major risk factor for a future stroke.
The symptoms of a stroke and a transient ischemic attack are similar, but the symptoms of a stroke are longer and more severe.
Treatment of carotid artery occlusion:
Some steps can be taken to treat carotid artery blockage that aim to open the blocked artery, Which leads to increased blood flow to the brain to prevent stroke in the future. Professor Dr. Hossam Al-Mahdi may suggest any of the following procedures:
– Carotid endarterectomy (CEA):
This is a procedure that was usually performed on patients with carotid atherosclerosis and is performed under general anesthesia and involves a long recovery period, unlike modern techniques.
– Carotid artery stent (CAS):
Carotid artery stenting is a newer procedure where a small hole is made to insert a specially designed catheter into the area of the blockage in the carotid artery. The tip of the small balloon is inflated for a few seconds to open the artery. This is the first step. Then the second step begins, which is placing a stent in the artery and expanding it until it supports the artery.
A stent is a small tube that acts as a scaffold to provide support inside the artery. The stent is usually made of metal and can also be made of a material that the body absorbs over time. There are some drug stents that help prevent the artery from blocking again.
Treating a clogged carotid artery requires a doctor who specializes in blood vessels, so Dr. Hossam El Mahdi is considered the best vascular doctor in Nasr City, Mohandiseen, Manial, and New Cairo, as he specializes in the use of peripheral catheters, treating clogged arteries, and installing stents.
Comments are closed