Carotid arteries supply blood to the brain. Blockages of these arteries can lead to strokes or "TIA's" (transient ischemic attacks). Non-invasive screening with ultrasound can help identify patients at risk. Observation, medical management and appropriately timed surgery can help minimize these risks in patients both with and without symptoms.

Carotid artery disease occurs when the major arteries in your neck that supply blood to your brain become narrowed or blocked. Risk factors for this blockage include age, tobacco use, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Carotid artery disease is a serious health problem because it can lead to a stroke.

Quitting smoking, exercise, and good medical control of other risk factors can help prevent or slow carotid artery disease.

Carotid artery disease may not cause symptoms or may cause a stroke as its first sign.  Some people may experience warning symptoms called transient ischemic attacks (TIA) commonly called "mini-strokes."  Symptoms of TIA include: weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of your body; unable to control an arm or a leg; sudden loss of vision on one eye; and sudden inability to speak.

After taking your medical history and an exam, the first test is usually an ultrasound of the artery. This is performed in the office and can usually provide enough information to determine if blockage is present and how severe the blockage is. Sometimes further testing with a CT or MR scans will be recommended. Occasionally, traditional angiography may be necessary.

Treatment will depend on the severity of blockage and whether or not you are having symptoms. Medical therapy is frequently the first step in mild to moderate blockages. You may require surgery if your carotid artery disease is severe or has progressed. The standard treatment is called a carotid endarterectomy. It can frequently be done under local anesthesia and involves making an incision on your neck, removing the blockage from the artery, and repairing the artery with a patch. You can usually go home the next day. This procedure is safe and long lasting when done by a qualified vascular surgeon in the proper circumstances.

A newly developed minimally invasive procedure to treat carotid artery disease is angioplasty and stenting and is offered at the Vascular Institute of Central Florida. Angioplasty and stenting is performed using a local anesthetic. During this procedure, a long catheter is placed through a small puncture site in a groin artery and guided through your blood vessels to your carotid artery. Through the catheter a small balloon is used to open the blockage in the artery. Next, a tiny metal tube called a stent is placed to hold the artery open. An overnight hospital stay is usually required to monitor you blood pressure. Carotid angioplasty and stenting is currently controversial because long-term results are not yet available. For patients who have medical conditions that increase the risk of traditional surgery, angioplasty and stenting may be a good alternative. It is FDA approved for patients felt to be at high risk for carotid endarterectmy.