Carotid Artery Blockage Symptoms

Carotid artery disease, also known as carotid artery stenosis, refers to the narrowing of carotid arteries, which results in a reduced blood and oxygen supply to the brain cells. This can cause a sudden loss of the brain function and can lead to serious stroke symptoms. Carotid artery blockage generally occurs due to the build up of plaque on the walls of the carotid arteries. In this article, we shall take a closer look at the carotid artery blockage symptoms and treatment. But, what are carotid arteries and where are they located? Let's find out...

Carotid Artery Blockage

Like all other vital organs of our body, the brain needs a constant supply of blood and oxygen to run smoothly. This brings us to the two main arteries that are responsible for supplying oxygen rich blood to the brain cells - carotid arteries. These two carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck, carry pure blood from the heart to the brain. Like coronary arteries, carotid arteries too can develop atherosclerosis, which is characterized by narrowing of arteries due to fatty deposits on the wall. This can result in carotid artery blockage and can hamper the blood and oxygen supply to the brain. Certain medication and blood thinners are normally prescribed depending on the severity of the blockage and the types of symptoms. In case of severe blockage,carotid artery surgery may be recommended for restoring proper blood supply to the brain which is commonly referred to as carotid angioplasty. The type of treatment generally depends on the nature and severity of the symptoms. So, let us take a look at the signs and symptoms of carotid artery blockage.

What are the Symptoms of Carotid Artery Blockage

Carotid arteries are the primary suppliers of oxygen rich blood to the brain. The narrowing of these arteries due to build up of plaque on the walls obstructs the blood flow to the brain. Carotid artery blockage is a serious medical condition as it is one of the major factors contributing to strokes. There are no symptoms specific to this condition and hence carotid artery blockage is difficult to diagnose. There are examples of people living with this disease for several years before the onset of carotid artery symptoms. The arteries harden and lose their elasticity over time and the risk increases with age. Transient ischemic attacks, also known as mild strokes, often occur as a warning sign of a stroke or a carotid artery blockage. Some of the carotid artery blockage symptoms include dizziness, fainting, severe headaches, blurred vision or loss of vision, difficulty in speaking, trouble in swallowing, confusion and a tingling sensation in the body. These symptoms are often followed by weakness or paralysis, specifically of the face, arm and leg on one side of the body. This numbness is due to lack of blood supply to the brain cells controlling that side of the body.

Blockage of the carotid arteries can not only decrease the blood supply to the brain, but can also lead to blockages in the arteries and veins in the eyes. The decreased blood flow due to plaque and blood clots in the arteries can cause problems with the vision. Ocular ischemic syndrome, retinal vein occlusion and retinal artery occlusion can be some of the eye problems that can be associated with carotid artery blockage. Distorted or blurred vision, blind spots and loss of vision followed by pain and discomfort are some of the symptoms of carotid artery blockage related to vision. Loss of vision in case of carotid artery blockage can be permanent if left untreated for long.

This was all about the carotid artery blockage symptoms. Proper understanding of the signs and symptoms of carotid artery blockage can help in preventing strokes and paralysis. If you observe numbness in one side of your face, arm or leg or any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.