To reach staff, make an appointment, get directions. Carotid disease refers to asymptomatic or symptomatic narrowing of the carotid artery. As the plaque enlarges, it encroaches on the opening of the internal carotid artery. The narrowed opening of the internal carotid artery then presents a risk for stroke. This risk depends on the degree of narrowing of the carotid artery, on whether there are ulcerations on the plaque and whether conditions which predispose to blood clotting are present.
Carotid disease is often asymptomatic.
Patients with significant asymptomatic disease are at increased risk for stroke in the future. Carotid disease can also present as temporary or permanent blindness in one eye or with visual symptoms. Your doctor can order noninvasive tests to diagnose carotid disease. This test is more invasive and is generally not used as a screening procedure rather it is used in surgical planning if an operation is being contemplated. Treatment Depending on the degree of narrowing and whether a patient is symptomatic or not, a doctor may choose to prescribe medical therapy or have a patient see a neurosurgeon regarding combined surgical therapy and medical therapy.