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Carotid Artery Stenosis

Atherosclerotic narrowing of the carotid arteries that supply the brain.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Carotid Artery Stenosis?

Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck caused by atherosclerotic plaque. It most often affects the carotid bifurcation and the origin of the internal carotid artery.

The disease may be silent for a long time. Emboli released from plaque surfaces or thrombi on plaque can occlude cerebral vessels and cause transient ischemic attacks or stroke. Stroke risk rises with the degree of stenosis, even in asymptomatic patients.

Diagnosis is made by carotid Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography or MR angiography. Treatment may be medical (antiplatelets, statin, risk factor control), carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting.

Symptoms

Audible carotid bruit in the neck
Transient monocular visual loss (amaurosis fugax)
Unilateral arm or leg weakness
Speech disturbance
Facial droop
Dizziness and balance problems
Symptoms of transient ischemic attack

Risk Factors

Hypertension
Smoking
Dyslipidemia with high LDL
Diabetes mellitus
Advanced age
Coronary artery disease
Family history of stroke

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Transient vision loss or facial weakness
  • Unilateral weakness or numbness
  • A new bruit detected in the neck
  • Symptoms of transient ischemic attack
  • High-risk patients already diagnosed with coronary disease

Treatment Methods

01
Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin or clopidogrel)
02
High-intensity statin
03
Control of hypertension and diabetes
04
Smoking cessation
05
Carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic or high-grade asymptomatic stenosis
06
Carotid stenting in appropriate candidates

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.