What is carotid artery occlusion blockage?

Carotid artery occlusion is a condition in which the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain and neck, becomes blocked or obstructed. This blockage can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

- Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs): These are temporary interruptions of blood flow to the brain that can cause dizziness, weakness, numbness, or speech difficulty. TIAs are a warning sign that a major stroke may be imminent.

- Stroke: A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is completely blocked, causing brain cells to die. Strokes can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the area of the brain that is affected.

- Amaurosis fugax: This is a temporary loss of vision in one eye that is caused by a blockage of the carotid artery.

- Neck pain

- Difficulty swallowing

- Hoarseness

Carotid artery occlusion can be caused by a number of factors, including:

- Atherosclerosis: This is a buildup of plaque in the arteries that can narrow the arteries and block blood flow.

- Blood clots: Blood clots can form in the carotid artery, either due to atherosclerosis or other conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

- Dissection: This is a tear in the wall of the carotid artery that can cause the artery to narrow or block.

- Carotid artery aneurysm: This is a bulging or ballooning of the carotid artery that can put pressure on nearby structures and block blood flow.

- Fibromuscular dysplasia: This is a condition in which the walls of the carotid artery become thickened and narrowed.

Treatment for carotid artery occlusion depends on the cause of the blockage and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment may include:

- Medications to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and prevent blood clots

- Surgery to remove the blockage

- Carotid endarterectomy: This is a surgery to remove plaque from the carotid artery.

- Carotid angioplasty and stenting: This is a minimally invasive procedure to widen the carotid artery and place a stent to keep it open.