Carotid Artery Blockage Symptoms and Treatment

A carotid artery blockage is one of the major factors contributing to strokes. The carotid arteries are two large blood vessels at each side of the neck, that supply blood, oxygen and other vital nutrients to the brain to sustain life. When the arteries harden with plaque, and restrict blood flow and oxygen, it can cause a sudden stroke, or loss in the brain function. A stroke occurs when the lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain cells result in a sudden loss of brain function. Following are carotid artery blockage symptoms and treatment.

Carotid Artery Blockage Symptoms
Carotid artery blockage is a very serious medical condition, mainly because the person suffering from blockage can live for years, before the symptoms exhibit themselves. Most symptoms are subtle, yet can present themselves with a devastating heart attack or paralysis. A hissing sound in either ear with each heartbeat, temporary loss of vision or hearing or both, severe headache, loss of motor coordination, difficulty in speaking and slurring of words, sudden temporary numbness to one or both sides of the face, arm or leg are all carotid artery blockage signs and symptoms. Paralysis of any part of the body, even temporary, are seen as symptoms of a mini stroke in progress. Most of these signs are also referred as symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and are treated as an absolute sign of a carotid artery blockage. TIAs are like mini strokes, although they do not impact the body as a full stroke would, they increase the chances of a full stroke as well as paralysis.

If any of the carotid artery blockage signs are observed, one must seek help immediately. Unless a stroke or paralysis has occurred, most doctors first rely on listening to the artery through a stethoscope for any unusual sounds produced, as the blood gushes past the blockage. Once the blockage is confirmed, an ultrasound test is used to view pictures of the blockage, and measure the quantity of blood flowing through the artery. Another diagnostic test, known as a cerebral angiogram, is also used to determine the level of blockage. A special dye (usually blue or black in color) is injected into the artery, and an X-ray is taken. The results of the X-ray show the exact location and size of the blockage, determined by the path the dye has taken.

If a stroke or paralysis is suspected, then either of the following diagnostic tests may be recommended: Computerized Tomography (CT scan), Carotid Duplex Scanning, Transcranial Doppler (TCD), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Xenon CT Scanning, Radionuclide SPECT Scanning, Cerebral Angiography, PET Scanning, and Transesophageal Echocardiography.

Carotid Artery Blockage Treatment
Carotid artery blockage treatment depends upon the severity of the blockage, and the type of symptoms. For a lesser level of blockage, most doctors prescribe medications and blood thinners to reduce cholesterol and blood clotting respectively. For more severe cases, carotid artery blockage surgery may be recommended to open the artery and remove the layer of plaque blocking the artery, followed up with anti-clotting medications. Carotid angioplasty is another procedure that may also be recommended. In this procedure, the area around the infected artery is numbed with a local anesthetic, and a long thin tube called a catheter is passed into the carotid artery in the area of the blockage. The catheter has a balloon attached on its tip, which is inflated to stretch and open the blocked artery.

Carotid artery blockage symptoms and treatment are important to understand, as they can help one prevent stroke or paralysis. Besides the treatment, a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, regular exercise and avoiding alcohol and tobacco, will go a long way in keeping one healthy.