Carotid Artery Blockage Symptoms and Treatment

A carotid artery blockage, also referred to as atherosclerosis, 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. These vital arteries may narrow due to the accumulation of plaque, which is a composition of calcium, cellular waste products, cholesterol, fatty substances and fibrin. 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 lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain cells result in a sudden loss of brain function. Following are some of the carotid artery blockage symptoms and treatment.

Carotid Artery Blockage Symptoms
Blockage in the carotid artery is a very serious medical condition, since it can lead to life-threatening complications, some of which may even prove to be fatal. However, most of the time, the symptoms do not surface, especially in the initial stages. Most symptoms are subtle, yet can exhibit themselves in the form of a heart attack or paralysis. Mentioned below are some of the signs of this arterial disorder.

• 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 on either or both sides of the face
• Tingling sensation in the arms, which may radiate to other body parts

Paralysis in any part of the body, even temporary, can be seen as an indication 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 carotid artery disease. TIAs are like mini strokes, although they do not impact the body as a full stroke would, they increase the risks of a full stroke as well as paralysis.

Diagnosing Carotid Artery Blockage
If any of the carotid artery blockage signs are observed, one must seek medical help immediately. Unless a stroke or paralysis has occurred, most doctors first rely on listening to the pulse through a stethoscope for any unusual sounds produced, as the blood gushes past the blockage. Once the site of blockage is identified, an ultrasound test is used to detect 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 intensity 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 by the physician:

• 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
• Transesophageal Echocardiography

Carotid Artery Blockage Treatment
Carotid artery blockage treatment depends upon the severity of the blockage, and the type of symptoms exhibited by the affected individual. For initial stages of blockage, the doctor may prescribe medication 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 blood vessel, followed up with anti-clotting medication. Carotid angioplasty is another procedure that may also be recommended. In this procedure, the area around the affected artery is numbed with 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, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, following a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, along with regular exercise will go a long way in keeping one healthy.