Vascular Condition
Carotid Artery Disease
The carotid arteries are the main blood vessels supplying the brain. Atherosclerotic narrowing of the carotid arteries is an important cause of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Identifying and treating significant carotid disease can substantially reduce the risk of stroke.
Symptoms
- Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) — sudden, brief neurological symptoms
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the face, arm, or leg
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden visual disturbance in one eye (amaurosis fugax)
- Occasionally, a bruit (abnormal noise) heard over the neck artery by a doctor
Causes & Risk Factors
- Atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the carotid arteries)
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- High cholesterol
- Increasing age and family history
Treatment
Treatment combines best medical therapy with intervention for significant symptomatic stenosis. Carotid endarterectomy — surgical removal of the plaque — is the gold standard. Carotid artery stenting is an alternative for patients where surgery carries higher risk.
Recovery & Aftercare
Carotid endarterectomy is typically performed under general or local anaesthesia with a short hospital stay. Most patients return to normal activity within two to four weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
A TIA (transient ischaemic attack) causes stroke-like symptoms that resolve completely within 24 hours. Both require urgent assessment as a TIA is a warning sign of impending stroke.
Carotid artery disease is diagnosed using carotid Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography.
When to Seek Medical Advice
- Any sudden neurological symptoms — weakness, speech problems, or visual disturbance — require immediate emergency assessment
- After a TIA, urgent assessment within 24 hours is recommended
- If a carotid bruit is detected by your doctor