Carotid arteries are two large blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the brain via the neck. These arteries can be blocked by a fatty substance known as plaque, which is made up of cholesterol, calcium and cellular debris. Atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, restricts the blood flow to the brain and can lead to a stroke. Aging, high blood pressure, abnormal body fat levels, smoking and obesity are the major risk factors.
Abnormal Rushing
There are no symptoms of carotid artery disease, especially in the early stages, so the University of California, Davis Health System recommends regular checkups for high-risk patients. A "bruit" sound that is caused by the abnormal flow of the blood in the carotid artery can be detected by placing the stethoscope on the neck. This may be the first indication of the presence of a clot in the carotid artery, although the patient may not suffer any discomfort at this stage.
Transient Ischemic Attacks
Transient ischemic attack, abbreviated as TIA, is also known as a mini stroke; it serves as a major sign of a block in the carotid artery, and is a warning sign of an impending stroke that may occur due to the block. According to the Texas Heart Institute, TIA is characterized by transient phases of dizziness, headache, numbness, blurred vision or paralysis that may last for few minutes to a few hours. Although the patient may feel normal after a TIA, it is very important to contact a doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate therapy to prevent a more severe attack.
Stroke
A stroke is the final and most severe manifestation of carotid artery blockage, and occurs due to the lack of blood supply to any part of the brain. The symptoms depend on the part of the brain that is not receiving the blood supply, and may include dizziness; reduced vision, hearing or taste; difficulty in swallowing, reading or writing; loss of balance and coordination; and muscle weakness and numbness. The symptoms may start suddenly and may be mild for a day or two, followed by an intense attack. MayoClinic.com recommends emergency medical treatment for any symptoms of a stroke.
