The carotid artery runs along the neck and carries oxygenated blood to the brain and head. Carotid artery disease causes blockages due to aneurysms, a blood clot or thrombus, or due to emboli or clots that break off from other areas of the body and travel to the neck. The Cleveland Clinic notes that atherosclerosis, the build-up of fatty plaque deposits and hardening of the artery walls can also narrow or obstruct the carotid artery. According to the Texas Heart Institute, a transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, is one of the most accurate symptoms of a blockage in the carotid artery. TIAs and strokes can cause serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
Paralysis and Numbness
The Texas Heart Institute lists weakness, paralysis and numbness as symptoms of a carotid artery blockage. These symptoms may be temporary in the case of a TIA, or early signs of a blockage, and usually affect the arm, hand, leg, foot, or face on one side of the body. In less severe cases, numbness or tingling that occurs on one side of the body is also a symptom. A characteristic sign is slight drooping of the facial muscles on one side of the face that may be noticeable around the mouth and lips. Paralysis of the muscles may also result in difficulty swallowing and speaking in some stroke patients. With TIAs, symptoms are temporary, while a stroke can cause permanent and debilitating damage to the brain and body.
Vision Symptoms
A blockage in the carotid artery may cause symptoms that affect the vision, as described by the Texas Heart Institute. These include blurred vision and loss of eyesight. Vision problems may be sudden and occur in only one eye, according to the MayoClinic.com
Headache Pain
Severe headache pain that occurs suddenly may be a symptom that there is a blockage in the carotid artery that is impeding the flow of oxygen and nutrient-carrying blood to the brain. This headache pain can be severe, and may occur in addition to nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness and in some cases, temporary loss of consciousness, explains MayoClinic.com
Confusion and Dizziness
According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms of carotid artery blockages include dizziness and confusion. Confusion may be evident in speech that is slurred, garbled or stopped in mid-sentence. Dizziness can be quite severe and may lead to the inability to walk or sit, and may even lead to fainting and loss of consciousness.
