Neck artery narrowing

Description

Carotid artery stenosis or neck artery narrowing. Cariotid arteries take blood from the heart to the brain. Narrowings usually occur from atherosclerosis, but congential abnormalities or trauma can lead to the narrowing (stenosis). If the narrowing is suddenly blocked by a clot or part of material (plaque) tears and blockes arteries in the brain, it can come to the stroke.

Symptoms

There are no symptoms, unless the bloodflow is not sufficient to enable normal functioning of the brain. If that occurs, symptoms include: weakness, numbness, slurred speech, confusion, incoordination or impaired vision. Temporary symptoms are called Transient Ischiemic Attack (TIA). Persistent symptoms represent a stroke.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and medical examination is being done. Ultrasound of cariotid arteries is often first test. CT angiogram (CTA) or MRI angiogram (MRA) are also done.

Tests

Ultrasound

Additional analyses

CTA, MRA

Specialists

Vascular Surgery

Therapy

Therapy depends on the level of blockade and severity of symptoms. Therapy for mild to moderate blockade is targeted reducing of futher artherosclerosis by change of the lifestyle and maintaining the normal level of blood pressure and cholesterol. Also, aspirin and anti-aggregative medicines are given to prevent production of clots inside the cariotid artery. More severe blockages might require stent of the artery or surgery (endarterectomy).