Narrowing of the carotid artery in the neck may increase the risk of stroke and should be assessed promptly.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg
- Speech disturbance
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye
- Facial asymmetry
- Sudden loss of coordination
What is it?
Narrowing usually results from atherosclerosis. The level of risk is determined by the percentage of narrowing, plaque characteristics, the presence or absence of symptoms, and the patient's overall vascular risk.
Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic
- Temporary loss of vision
- Brief speech disturbance
- Temporary weakness in an arm or leg
- Dizziness may be nonspecific
Causes & risk factors
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Coronary artery disease
- Previous stroke or TIA
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination findings, and investigation results are assessed together.
- Carotid Doppler ultrasound
- CT angiography
- MR angiography
- Neurological assessment
- Assessment of cardiac and rhythm-related risk
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient's overall condition, coexisting diseases, and procedural risk.
- Strict control of risk factors
- Antiplatelet and cholesterol-lowering medications
- Carotid endarterectomy in selected cases
- Carotid stenting in selected cases
- Stroke prevention plan
How we help
At the center, carotid stenosis is assessed within a vascular and neurovascular risk framework. Medical, surgical, or endovascular approaches are discussed based on Doppler and CT/MR findings.
When a procedure may be needed
Carotid intervention may be required in patients with severe symptomatic narrowing, high-grade stenosis, or a high risk of stroke.
Patient checklist
- Call emergency services immediately if stroke symptoms occur
- Bring previous Doppler and CT reports
- Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control
- Stop smoking
FAQ
Does carotid stenosis always require surgery?
No. The degree of narrowing, the presence or absence of symptoms, and overall risk are taken into account.
Is temporary loss of vision a serious symptom?
Yes. It may be a sign of a transient ischemic attack and requires urgent assessment.
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