Carotid artery disease is a dangerous condition that can cause stroke and even death, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute or NHLBI. The two carotid arteries on each side of the neck are the main blood supply to the brain and head. In carotid artery disease, these arteries are clogged with fatty deposits, which can reduce blood flow or cause blood clots. Carotid artery disease often causes no symptoms.
Bruit
A bruit is a whooshing sound that doctors can hear with a stethoscope placed on the carotids, according to the NHLBI. The sound occurs because blood flow is changed or reduced due to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. Not everyone with carotid artery disease makes this sound.
Transient Ischemic Attack
A transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is sometimes called a mini-stroke because it produces the same symptoms as a stroke, according to the NHLBI. But in a TIA the symptoms usually go away without treatment in about a day. For many people a TIA is the first sign of a carotid artery disease. Symptoms include weakness, heaviness or loss of feeling in the face or limbs, which may occur on just one side of the body; temporary paralysis of a limb or feeling as if one has lost control of a limb; difficulty with swallowing; droopiness of the face; problems with talking clearly or understanding others; partial vision loss; lightheadedness or balance problems; or a sudden and severe headache. A TIA is an emergency because it can lead to a stroke if not treated. It is also a warning sign that the patient is at high risk for a stroke in the future.
Stroke
Most people with carotid artery disease do not have any symptoms until they have a stroke, according to the NHLBI. A stroke causes the same symptoms as a TIA except the symptoms don't go away on their own. Strokes cause long-term brain damage, disability, paralysis and death. A stroke is also a medical emergency because the faster treatment occurs after symptoms start the more likely the patient is to recover. Ideally, treatment to open the blocked arteries causing the stroke should start within three hours, and no more than six.
