Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing and hardening of the carotid arteries in the neck caused by plaque buildup, which can restrict blood flow to the brain and cause transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes. It often presents with no symptoms initially, with the first sign being a TIA or stroke. Regular medical checkups can help detect carotid artery stenosis early through examination of the arteries with a stethoscope before a more serious event occurs.

1. What Is Carotid Artery Stenosis?
By Dr. Brian Hoh

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A board-certified neurological surgeon, Dr. Brian
Hoh is presently a tenured associate professor of
neurosurgery and chief of the
University of Florida’s neurovascular program.
Under Dr. Brian Hoh’s guidance, University of
Florida physicians treat the full range of
neurovascular conditions, including carotid artery
stenosis.

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Two large blood vessels located on either side of the
neck, the carotid arteries serve to supply the brain
with nutrient-rich blood.
Carotid artery stenosis, which is also called carotid
artery disease, is characterized by a buildup of
plaque that narrows and hardens these blood vessels.
When the narrowing reaches such a degree that the
patient’s brain is deprived of blood, a transient
ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, can occur.

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Carotid artery stenosis often presents with no
symptoms in the early stages, and the first sign of
the condition is a mini-stroke or a stroke.
Signs of a stroke include the sudden onset of visual
disturbances, numbness or tingling on one side of
the body, loss of balance, confusion, headache, or
speech problems.
Signs of a TIA are the same as for a stroke, but they
usually only last for a short time and then resolve on
their own.

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Regular medical checkups can help detect carotid
artery stenosis before a stroke or mini-stroke occurs.
The physician can often detect unusual sounds in the
arteries with a stethoscope, which will warrant
further testing, such as a carotid ultrasound, CT
angiogram, or MR angiogram.
If plaque is found, it can be treated with surgery
(carotid endarterectomy) or stenting.

6. 

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Regular medical checkups can help detect carotid
artery stenosis before a stroke or mini-stroke occurs.
The physician can often detect unusual sounds in the
arteries with a stethoscope, which will warrant
further testing, such as a carotid ultrasound, CT
angiogram, or MR angiogram.
If plaque is found, it can be treated with surgery
(carotid endarterectomy) or stenting.