Carotid artery disease

Carotid arteries are located on each side of your neck. They provide the main blood supply to your brain. Carotid artery disease occurs when atherosclerosis develops in the carotid arteries. Atherosclerosis is a process in which deposits called plaque build up in the arteries, decreasing blood flow. Carotid artery disease is a major risk factor for stroke .

Symptoms of carotid artery disease

Carotid artery disease may not have any symptoms; however, there are warning signs. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when the blood flow to the brain is briefly interrupted. Symptoms are similar to a stroke, but don’t last as long. Transient ischemic attacks are often warning signs that a person is at risk for a more serious stroke.

Symptoms may include:

• sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• sudden confusion, trouble talking or understanding speech
• sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• sudden trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination
• sudden severe headache with no known cause

 A TIA is a medical emergency. If you or someone you know have any of these symptoms, call 911.

 Carotid artery disease fact sheet (pdf)