This process, known asatherosclerosis, is more common in older adults than younger people.
Many people with carotid artery disease dont have any symptoms.
If left untreated, having a neck artery blockage significantly increases your chance of having a stroke or ministroke.
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Learn more about carotid artery disease, including risks, causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more.
This is known as embolic disease.
Strokes often cause brain damage, which may affect your mobility, speech, and/or cognitive abilities.
They can also be fatal.
Untreated carotid artery disease can also cause atransient ischemic attack(TIA), orministroke.
Ministrokes occur due to a brief, temporary lack of blood flow to the brain.
They can lead to future strokes.
What Causes a Neck Artery Blockage?
This happens through the process of atherosclerosis, also known as arteriosclerosis.
Anyone can develop a neck artery blockage, but some factors make it more likely.
Can You Treat Carotid Artery Disease Without Surgery?
Your healthcare provider may not recommend surgery if you have mild or moderate carotid arterial stenosis.
There are two different surgical procedures that can help to treat a blocked carotid artery.
Both are typically performed by avascular surgeon.
This usually involves undergoing further imaging testing at least once to ensure the blockage hasnt progressed.
Your healthcare provider might also ask you to check your blood pressure at home.
Often asymptomatic, this condition can significantly increase your risk of a stroke.
Talk to a healthcare provider about undergoing diagnostic testing if you are at risk of developing carotid artery disease.
If you notice any warning signs of a stroke, get emergency medical help immediately.
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